Ismail Sabri Provides Statement To MACC, Expected To Continue Tomorrow

PUTRAJAYA, March 13 (Bernama) -- Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob provided his statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today.

He arrived at the MACC headquarters at 9.46 am and was seen leaving at 3.13 pm, briefly waving to the media who had been waiting since morning.

However, attempts by reporters to obtain a response were unsuccessful.  It is understood that he is expected to continue his statement tomorrow.

Ismail Sabri was initially scheduled to have his statement recorded on March 7, but the session was postponed due to health reasons.

On Feb 21, the ninth prime minister was rushed to a private medical center after collapsing at his home. 

On March 3, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki disclosed that Ismail Sabri is a suspect in an ongoing corruption and money laundering investigation following the discovery of approximately RM170 million in cash at a safe house during a raid.

The cash, held in numerous currencies such as baht, riyal, pound sterling, won, euro, Swiss franc, and yuan, was seized alongside 16 kg of pure gold bars valued at nearly RM7 million.

Additionally, 13 bank accounts containing over RM2 million have been frozen as part of the probe.

The investigation focuses on funding sources and expenditures related to promotional and publicity activities during Ismail Sabri’s tenure. 

Meanwhile, in a brief statement, Ismail Sabri said he would fully cooperate with the authorities until the investigation is concluded. 

"Today, I was at the MACC headquarters to provide my statement. I will continue to fully cooperate with the authorities until the investigation is concluded," he said. 

-- BERNAMA