KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on the public to refrain from condemning former premier Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigates four of his senior officers.
Speaking at the Parliament building today, Anwar stressed the importance of allowing the authorities to carry out their probe without interference. “Due process must be observed. The investigation is ongoing, so we shouldn’t rush to conclusions. Let’s respect the legal process,” he said.
Earlier, MACC chief Azam Baki confirmed that Ismail was being summoned as a suspect in the case, which involves the seizure of RM170 million in cash and 16kg of gold bars from the homes of four officers and several alleged “safe houses.”
Defending MACC’s actions, Anwar said the principle of investigation applies to all individuals involved. “If you ask why no ministers have been investigated, give me their names and the locations where they’re hiding money, and I won’t stop action from being taken,” he stated.
Azam previously reported that 13 bank accounts containing around RM2 million had been frozen, with Ismail’s account still under scrutiny. So far, 31 witnesses have been questioned, including at least two or three politicians.