Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is set to record a statement from former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, this Thursday as part of an ongoing investigation into corruption and money laundering cases linked to him. The statement is scheduled to be taken at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at 10 am.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that Ismail Sabri, who is also the Bera Member of Parliament, will appear to provide his statement. This comes as Ismail Sabri’s medical certificate is due to expire tomorrow. Azam noted that additional witnesses will be gradually summoned to the MACC office to provide further statements.

The announcement was made during a press conference held after the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the MACC and Kota Kinabalu City Hall. The signing ceremony saw Sabah MACC director Datuk S. Karunanithy representing the MACC, while Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah represented Kota Kinabalu City Hall, with Azam witnessing the event.

MACC sources have reported that statements from 36 witnesses have already been recorded in relation to the investigation involving Ismail Sabri. An additional 23 witnesses have been identified and are expected to be summoned soon. The investigation has gained significant traction following Ismail Sabri’s hospitalization after collapsing at his home on February 21.

Further developments in the case were highlighted on March 3, when Azam confirmed that Ismail Sabri is a suspect in the investigation. This followed the discovery of approximately RM170 million in cash at a safe house during a raid. In addition, 13 bank accounts containing over RM2 million have reportedly been frozen as part of the ongoing investigation.