2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Dafi on MACC issue: 'I can't speak on behalf of Jovian'
KUALA LUMPUR: Actor and singer Dafi Ismail has declined to comment further on the issue involving his former brother-in-law, Datuk Jovian Mandagie.
Jovian was reportedly scheduled to meet with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to give a statement following an investigation into asset ownership connected to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
In a report by Berita Harian today, Dafi, who is Ismail Sabri's son, said he was not qualified to speak on the matter and had no interest in being involved in politics.
"I can't comment on that because I don't know the situation, and I rarely contact Jovian. I genuinely don't know much about the issue," he said.
"Honestly, I prefer not to be involved in matters related to politics as it's not my area of expertise. Therefore, I shouldn't be talking about this."
However, he added that he believed everything would go well for Jovian.
"I can't speak on his behalf; that's something he'll have to address himself. We do keep in touch, but it's usually more about saying hello and discussing my nephew," said the 36-year-old Akademi Fantasi alumnus.
Yesterday, it was reported that the MACC was expected to meet Jovian in Jakarta, Indonesia, today.
It is understood that the investigation team had been in Jakarta for two days to take a statement from the 39-year-old businessman to assist in the investigation concerning the former Prime Minister.
The report also said that Jovian's testimony was considered important, as several documents needed to be verified by the ex-husband of Ismail Sabri's eldest daughter, Nina Sabrina.
Previously, it was revealed that the MACC investigation team had made an appointment and set a location in Jakarta.
Jovian's statement was taken in Jakarta because Nina's ex-husband reportedly moved to Indonesia after announcing the closure of his fashion operations last year.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that his office would record Jovian's statement following the investigation into asset ownership involving Ismail Sabri.
Ismail Sabri had previously appeared at the MACC Headquarters several times to assist in the investigation of corruption and money laundering cases involving expenses and the acquisition of funds for the promotion and publicity of the "Malaysia Family" programme during his tenure as Prime Minister from August 2021 to November 2022.
Azam was reported to have said that the investigation was conducted following an order for Ismail Sabri to make an asset declaration following Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009.
Ismail Sabri made an asset declaration on Feb 10, and the MACC is currently analysing the source of the assets.
