Up to AGC whether to charge Ismail Sabri after monies forfeited - Azam

MACC chief Azam Baki today said the forfeiture of RM170 million in cash linked to graft allegations against Ismail Sabri Yaakob does not mean that no charges will be brought against the former premier.

At a press conference in Putrajaya, Azam said Ismail Sabri’s decision not to challenge the forfeiture will see the amount deposited into the government’s funds.

“We forfeited that RM170 million... I did not say there was no need to charge him.

“I leave that (charging) to the deputy public prosecutor’s decision,” Azam told reporters.

The RM170 million cash in various currencies was confiscated during March raids on the homes and “safehouses” of four former aides to Ismail Sabri (above).

In June, the MACC said it had completed its investigation under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, and would apply to seize the money.

Quizzed on a timeline of possible charges, Azam added that the MACC will not interfere with the AGC’s decision.

On May 22, the MACC confirmed that Ismail Sabri had declared his assets to the MACC, as part of the probe into alleged graft in his Keluarga Malaysia public relations campaign.

Azam, at that time, said that the declaration was submitted to the MACC on Feb 10.

The commission had also recorded statements from a total of 57 individuals to facilitate its probe.

Waiting for foreign information on Mahathir

Meanwhile, Azam said the MACC will continue its probe against another former prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, which has been ongoing since April last year.

“We are still seeking information from external countries, particularly in the United Kingdom, in relation to assets belonging to Mahathir.

“We will update further if we receive the information,” he said.

The MACC probe also involved Mahathir’s sons, Mirzan and Mokhzani, who had both been ordered to declare their wealth to the anti-graft agency.

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