KUALA LUMPUR — Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was questioned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) before he was hospitalised after collapsing at home.
According to the New Straits Times today, sources told the paper he was questioned for five hours on Tuesday last week, before he fainted on Feb 22 and was rushed to hospital.
The source told the paper that Ismail Sabri was questioned at MACC’s headquarters in Putrajaya to assist in the agency’s probe into funds spent by his administration on promotional and publicity activities.
The investigation is being carried out under Section 16A of the MACC Act 2009 and The Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
From his interview with MACC, agency officers identified the four former aides who were subsequently arrested and remanded the day before he collapsed at home.
NST’s source said MACC “was not done” with Ismail Sabri and could call him in again for further questioning.
Ismail Sabri, 65, was the country’s ninth prime minister from 2021 to 2022.
Last Saturday, the Bera MP was hospitalised after collapsing at home, reportedly due to blood pressure-related complications.
His four former aides have since been released from remand and RM100 million cash was seized from one of their homes.
Also seized were jewellery, documents and electronic devices.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has said more individuals would be summoned for questioning, including “prominent” ones.
According to NST, eight people would be summoned “over the next two weeks” to have their statements recorded. – March 1, 2025