Written by Bernama, Mkini
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today confirmed it had recorded a statement from former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob regarding the alleged misuse of RM700 million in funds for promotion and publicity campaigns during the previous government’s administration.
It is understood that his statement was taken in the capital city today.
In a statement tonight, the MACC said statements were also recorded from Toh Puan Nai’mah Abdul Khalid — the wife of former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin — and their two children, Muhammad Amin Zainuddin and Muhammad Amir Zainuddin, at the MACC headquarters.
“The three individuals were called to record statements to ascertain several matters related to high-value assets within and outside the country registered under the companies belonging to them, and it is related to the investigation against Daim.
“MACC would like to clarify that a notice has been handed to Tun Daim under Section 36(1)(a) of the MACC Act 2009 on June 7, 2023, while a notice under Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act 2009 has also been handed to his family members,” the statement said.
Last February, the MACC initiated an investigation into Daim based on revelations and information from the Pandora Papers, and the investigation into his assets is still ongoing. — Bernama
MACC grills Ismail Sabri for almost 5 hours
Former prime minister Ismail Sabri was quizzed by the MACC for almost five hours today.
According to a report by Utusan Malaysia, the statement recording process started at 10am and only ended at 4.45pm.
A statement by the anti-graft agency tonight confirmed that the Bera MP’s statement was recorded to assist in its probe into the RM700 million allegedly used to promote his then-administration’s achievements.
Meanwhile, the Malay daily reported that Ismail Sabri’s statement was recorded to assist in investigations regarding projects awarded to certain individuals, including the implementation of two programmes under the previous administration.
It also reported that the case is being investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Act 2001 (Amlatfpuaa) and the MACC Act 2009.
The daily also reported that another former top government leader will be summoned soon to assist in the probe.
In addition, it reported that MACC will focus on the wealth owned by Ismail Sabri as well as his family members.
MACC had also reportedly recorded the statement of the former premier’s aide who served under him pertaining to the granting of projects.
It was understood that the aide’s statement would be recorded once more after this, including her husband.
Previously, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament that his predecessors used the sum for advertising and promotions regarding the federal government’s achievements between 2021 and 2022.
He claimed that Ismail Sabri’s predecessor, Muhyiddin Yassin had spent some RM500 million whereas the former used about RM200 million.
“This means that, on average, over RM300 million per year was expended on advertising, promotion and publicity to publicise the government’s efforts. I believe this breaches rules and regulations, showing excessive spending,” he said.
Last month, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the people should know the details behind the RM700 million expenditure.
“.. whether everything was recorded properly or if there were any legal violations,” he added. Mkini
Written by Bernama, Mkini
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