Government Confident in MACC’s Investigation into Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s Case
Deputy Prime Minister Expresses Confidence in Fair and Professional Probe
PETALING JAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed confidence that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will act fairly and professionally in investigating a case involving former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. This confidence stems from his own experience, having gone through a similar trial and being given a conditional discharge on 47 criminal charges.
Similar Circumstances, Similar Outcome
In an interview with Berita Harian, Zahid said, "Personally, I have been in a similar situation and when my case was brought to court, despite various accusations, justice was ultimately upheld. I hope the same will happen in court (for Ismail’s case)." Zahid’s own trial involved alleged corruption, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering, and he was ultimately given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal in the Yayasan Akalbudi case in 2023.
MACC Investigation Underway
MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki confirmed on Monday that Ismail is a key suspect in the commission’s ongoing investigation into four senior officers linked to him. The case is being investigated for soliciting and accepting bribes, as well as money laundering.
Prime Minister’s Appeal for Calm
On March 5, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged the public to avoid condemning his predecessor and instead, called for due process to be observed and for the authorities to be given space to conduct their probe professionally.
Conclusion
The government’s confidence in the MACC’s investigation into Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s case is rooted in its own experience of navigating a similar situation. While the outcome of the investigation remains to be seen, Zahid’s words of encouragement and the Prime Minister’s appeal for calm suggest that the authorities are committed to conducting a fair and professional probe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the nature of the investigation into Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s case?
A: The investigation is being conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for alleged soliciting and accepting bribes, as well as money laundering.
Q: What is the government’s stance on the investigation?
A: The government is confident that the MACC will act fairly and professionally in the investigation, citing Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s own experience in a similar situation.
Q: What is the outcome of Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s own trial?
A: He was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal in the Yayasan Akalbudi case in 2023, on charges of embezzling millions of ringgit and accepting bribes for various projects during his tenure as Home Minister.