Ismail Sabri’s health unclear as MACC freezes over RM2 million in bank accounts

KUALA LUMPUR - Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s health status remains uncertain as his medical leave ends, with the doctor treating him unable to confirm whether he is fit to have his statement recorded.

A source revealed that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had recorded the doctor’s statement, but the medical professional could not determine whether Ismail would be able to provide his statement.

"Based on the doctor's statement, he could not confirm Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri's health condition after his medical leave ends tomorrow.

"If he is in good health, the MACC can proceed with recording his statement," the source said on Tuesday.

As part of its investigation into corruption and money laundering linked to the former prime minister, the MACC has frozen 13 bank accounts, estimated to contain over RM2 million.

Previously, statements had been recorded from 36 individuals, including 32 witnesses and four of Ismail’s former officers who had been detained. The MACC is also set to call in 23 more witnesses soon.

On Feb 22, it was reported that Ismail was hospitalised after collapsing at his residence.

Last Friday, investigators interviewed a doctor holding the honorary title of Datuk at a hospital in Petaling Jaya to assess Ismail Sabri’s condition. He was initially scheduled to give his statement at the MACC headquarters on the same day but was unable to do so due to his health.

MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that the session had been postponed to Wednesday as Ismail was still on medical leave.

On Feb 10, Ismail submitted his asset declaration before his statement was originally scheduled to be recorded on Feb 19.

The investigation is being conducted under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).

In a related development, the MACC has seized approximately RM170 million in cash across multiple foreign currencies, including baht, riyal, pound sterling, won, euro, Swiss franc and yuan.

Additionally, 16 kilogrammes of gold bars, valued at an estimated RM7 million, have also been confiscated.