[UPDATED] MACC probe into Ismail Sabri ongoing, scheduled to record another statement [WATCH]
PUTRAJAYA: The investigation into former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's asset declaration is not over yet, as he is scheduled to give another statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the probe involving the Bera member of Parliament is still in its early stages, with only about 15 to 20 per cent of the investigation process completed so far.
"Ismail Sabri would be called in again within the next two weeks, as several documents had been requested from him.
"The case is still ongoing, and this time it relates to his asset declaration. Investigations involving asset declarations do take time.
"It is his responsibility, as someone who was issued a notice, to explain the source of his assets to satisfy us as the issuing agency," he told reporters when met at the sidelines of the Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Conference: Recalling Jakarta Statement.
He also said the MACC still needed to verify whether the declared assets were accurate.
"The important part is for us to ensure that what was declared is true or not," he said.
Last Thursday, Ismail Sabri went to the graft busters to have his statement recorded, following a series of earlier visits.
Previously, Ismail Sabri had declared his assets to the MACC on Feb 10 and was questioned by the commission on Feb 19.
It was reported earlier that the Bera member of Parliament is being investigated for corruption and money laundering involving the expenditure and procurement of funds for the promotion and publicity of the Keluarga Malaysia programme during his tenure from Aug 2021 to Nov 2022.
The case is being investigated under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 as well as the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
On March 3, it was reported that Ismail Sabri is a suspect in the corruption and money laundering investigation, following the discovery of approximately RM170 million in cash in various currencies and 16 kilograms of gold bars in a safe house during an MACC raid.
The MACC also reportedly froze 13 bank accounts to assist in the investigation.
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