Putrajaya: The scheduled recording of a statement from former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in connection with a corruption and money laundering case has been postponed due to health reasons.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Bera Member of Parliament’s health condition is reportedly not favorable, and he has been issued a sick leave certificate. Consequently, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) plans to record the statement of the ninth former prime minister at 10 am on Friday at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.

Meanwhile, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the postponement of the statement recording initially scheduled for tomorrow, indicating that it will be conducted on a later date. On February 10, Ismail Sabri had provided information on his asset declaration before his statement was recorded on February 19.

Yesterday, Azam stated that the former leader’s statement is required in a corruption and money laundering investigation following the discovery of approximately RM170 million in cash in a safehouse during an MACC raid. The investigation primarily focuses on the expenditure and procurement of funds for promotional and publicity purposes during his tenure as head of the government.

Thus far, the MACC has recorded statements from 31 individuals and frozen 13 bank accounts with a total value of about RM2 million, all of which are valid and active. Previously, the MACC seized approximately RM170 million in cash, including various international currencies such as Baht, Riyal, Pound Sterling, Won, Euro, Swiss Franc, and Yuan, along with 16 kilograms of pure gold bars estimated to be worth nearly RM7 million.