KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested four officers of former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as part of investigations into alleged corruption and money laundering involving a whopping RM700 million.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the arrests when contacted by Scoop.
“[It is] related to corruption and money laundering,” he said briefly today.
Meanwhile, media reports citing sources stated that multiple cases are under investigation, including the alleged misuse of RM700 million in government funds for promotional and publicity purposes.
A source revealed that two of the four individuals arrested hold the title of ‘Datuk’.
“The arrests were made under Section 16a of the MACC Act and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA),” the source said.
Earlier, Scoop reported that the four officers were remanded for between three and five days to facilitate MACC’s investigation.
The remand order was issued by Magistrate Irza Zulaikha for three of the individuals, effective for five days from last Friday. The fourth individual, who had been remanded for three days, was released today.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated in a speech in Putrajaya today that the government does not interfere in the actions of enforcement agencies, stressing that such measures are taken to uphold good governance under his administration.
He emphasised that the actions were not motivated by revenge but were aimed at ensuring the authorities had the freedom to carry out their duties.
“Some say I am vengeful, looking for faults. That’s not true. I just give them complete freedom. I told the Cabinet that we do not interfere.
“We give the police the freedom to do their job, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) to collect taxes, and the MACC to conduct searches to eradicate corruption.
“The country can be rich, but if its leaders are busy amassing wealth for themselves, when will they take care of the people? When there is misconduct, and power is used to accumulate immense wealth, hundreds of millions in assets, it must be addressed,” he said at the launch of the newly renovated Alamanda shopping mall today.
Anwar said the firm actions taken by enforcement agencies against those involved were necessary to put an end to unethical practices such as corruption. – February 23, 2025