Umno threatens legal action on those linking Ismail Sabri probe to party

Summary

• Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki decries certain quarters’ attempts to link the corruption probe involving Ismail Sabri Yaakob to the party, threatening legal action.

• Asyraf urges everyone to give MACC space to conduct investigations transparently.

As former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob comes under MACC’s radar, Umno attempts to distance itself from the matter.

In a statement, party secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki decried certain quarters’ attempts to link Umno to the corruption probe involving its former vice president.

“I stress that the party has nothing to do with this and is of the opinion that MACC should be given enough space to investigate the matter transparently without any interference.

“Umno will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who attempts to link, accuse, or create a perception that the party is involved in the probe,” he warned.

Asyraf, however, did not name who was making such attempts against the party.

RM170m in cash seized

Ismail Sabri is expected to appear at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya tomorrow to provide a statement regarding a corruption and money laundering probe into the expenditure and procurement for the Keluarga Malaysia promotional programme during his premiership.

This came after an MACC raid on premises linked to Ismail Sabri’s officer, where approximately RM170 million in cash was found.

So far, the MACC has recorded statements from 31 individuals and frozen 13 bank accounts amounting to around RM2 million.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim denied claims that the investigation into his predecessor was politically motivated.

BN steers clear

In a press conference at Parliament, BN secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir echoed Asyraf’s views and steered clear of the Bera MP’s case.

The higher education minister said he did not receive any information about attempts by certain quarters to link the coalition with the matter.

“So far, we have not received such information.

“But as stated, if anyone is implicated, it has nothing to do with BN.

“Let the individual deal with this but as the prime minister stated yesterday, let the process take place,” Zambry added.

Anwar denies probe on Ismail Sabri politically motivated

Ismail Sabri has two days MC, MACC defers questioning to March 7

Ismail Sabri a suspect, MACC to summon him again over RM170m - Azam

MACC confiscates RM170m, 16kg of gold bars from Ismail Sabri's ex-aides

MACC questioned Ismail Sabri before he was hospitalised - report