March 4, 2025
putrajaya – Due to cash bundlings in numerous currencies, as well as millions of undiscovered gold coins and luxury watches, the question now is how deep the corruption investigation is currently in place in former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
At a press conference at MACC headquarters yesterday, Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that MACC now considers Ismail Sabri as a suspect, not just a witness.
“On this issue, I can say he is the suspect in the case.
“First, Section 36 of (MACC Act) has been issued for asset statements.
“Secondly, since the money was found with his link, we will need his statement about the discovery,” Azam said.
Yesterday’s press conference showed the money found in the recent raid related to the investigation.
Cash is tied together according to their respective currency arrangements.
Several luxury brand watches and gold bars were also exhibited.
In a media statement on Sunday, MACC said about Rs 170 crore in foreign currency and 16 kilograms of gold were seized from the “safe house” after an investigation of four senior officials serving in Ismail Sabri.
The confiscated foreign currencies include Thai baht, Saudi riyal, British pound, South Korean victory, euro, Swiss franc and Chinese renminbi.
Regarding the forfeiture, Azam said an investigation is underway to track the financial situation.
“For this matter, our forensic and intelligence officials will be involved,” he added.
Regarding the current investigation status, Azam said that no Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia bank account had been frozen.
“We have not frozen the Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia account yet because it is not a separate account and is still active.
“However, the former Prime Minister's narrative is being investigated and we will seek his explanation on all his accounts,” Azam said.
As part of the survey, there were 13 bank accounts in total, with approximately RM2 million.
Azam said the committee still needs to record statements from seven or eight others to take further action.
He also said Ismail Sabri will be recalled to other statements, although it depends on his current health.
“The meeting is expected to be held this Wednesday.
“The recording will introduce his asset declaration and the cases currently under investigation,” Azam added.
Asked whether Datuk Nazimah Hashim, former private secretary of Ismail Sabri, as some parties have said, the MACC head denied the request.
Azam said MACC also met her to record the statement.
“Her statements have been published and there has never been such an instance, and we have to get her statements from overseas. She is still in the country,” he confirmed.
Azam also denied claiming that the investigation was politically linked, or a form of selective prosecution.
“Do you think it is selective? I direct the question to you.
“I don’t think so. I always insist that we investigate professionally and fairly.
“This is not a current instruction from anyone. We act alone based on information and evidence,” he said.
The MACC is suspected of alleged involvement in corruption, with four former officials, including two people with titles associated with Ismail Sabri.
It is understood that MACC is currently investigating several cases, including promotional and publicity purposes involving government spending of RM700 million.
