KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed that Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is now considered a suspect in an ongoing corruption and money laundering investigation. Previously, he was only treated as a witness.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki stated that this development follows the discovery of approximately RM170 million in cash at a “safehouse” during a raid conducted by the agency.
“As a result, one of the actions taken against the former ninth Prime Minister is requiring him to declare his assets under Section 36 of the MACC Act,” he said.
“The discovery of RM170 million in cash in the safehouse confirms that the Bera MP is a suspect in this case.
“I can say that he is now officially a suspect because he has been asked to provide a detailed declaration of his assets under Section 36 of the MACC Act.
“Secondly, given the discovery of this money and his connection to the case, we need his explanation regarding the funds,” Azam added.
Previously, MACC announced plans to summon 10 more witnesses in connection with the asset declaration probe linked to this corruption and money laundering case.
This follows the arrest of four individuals, including Ismail Sabri’s former senior officer. The Bera MP himself was questioned by MACC last week.
Earlier, MACC revealed that hundreds of millions of ringgit in cash and valuable items were seized from three locations, including a safehouse, in connection with the investigation involving the former Prime Minister. -MalayaDailyToday
