PUTRAJAYA, March 13 — Former premier Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob provided his statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today.
He arrived at the MACC headquarters at 9.46am and was seen leaving at 3.13pm, briefly waving to the press 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 was initially scheduled to have his statement recorded on March 7, but the session was postponed due to health reasons.
On February 21, the ex-prime minister was rushed to a private medical centre after collapsing at his home.
On March 3, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki disclosed that Ismail 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 including Thai baht, Saudi riyal, British pound sterling, South Korean won, Euro, Swiss franc, and Chinese yuan, was seized alongside 16kg 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 his tenure.
Meanwhile, in a brief statement, Ismail said he will 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