KUALA LUMPUR – The investigation into former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob over alleged corruption and money laundering is still in its early stages, with only about 15 to 20% of the process completed so far.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki said that the Bera MP is also scheduled to provide further statements to the commission.
He explained that the current investigation involves the declaration of assets, which requires more time.
“As I’ve mentioned, this probe pertains to his declaration of assets. When it comes to asset investigations, it’s expected to take a bit longer.
“And it is his responsibility, as someone who has been served a notice, to explain the source of those assets and so on to our satisfaction, as the agency issuing the notice,” he said.
Ismail Sabri was served a notice under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009 on December 11, 2024, requiring him to declare his assets. He officially submitted the declaration on February 10 this year.
On March 3, the MACC confirmed that it had seized 16kg of solid gold worth RM7 million and RM170 million in cash, in various currencies, from premises linked to four senior officers associated with Ismail Sabri.
The investigation into Ismail is being conducted under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
He will be summoned again in two weeks to continue giving his statement as part of the corruption and money laundering probe, after being summoned several times in recent weeks. – April 29, 2025