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Why do politicians end up in hospital beds when they are under the radar of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)? - Facebook images
Ismail ‘Turtle Egg’ Sabri under MACC pressure
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27, 2025: As former prime minister Ismail “Turtle Egg” Sabri comes under a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) probe, he also ended up on a hospital bed like other politicians.
Was eating too much turtle eggs the cause of his current health problem?
The MACC has seized more than RM100 million in cash in a raid on the home of an aide to Ismail and three others in his administration as prime minister were also hauled up.
As Ismail lies in his hospital bed, there is a slew of news reports on the arrests that are several cases of corruption amounting to RM700 million.
Update1
MACC to haul up eight more people in ex-PM aides’ graft probe
Friday, 28 Feb 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will record statements from eight individuals as part of its investigation into four former senior officers of former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the eight individuals will be called in to assist with the investigation on suspected corruption as early as this week.
“We will summon eight witnesses this week and also next week,” he said, Bernama reported.
The anti-graft chief said the Anti-Money Launde ring Division is currently reviewing documents seized in connection with the investigation.
“The documents are being examined, and the investigation is not limited to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009,” he said.
Azam said the investigation also falls under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti- Terro rism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
On Feb 21, MACC detained four officials linked to Ismail Sabri under a remand order issued by Magis trate Irza Zulaikha Rohanud din at the Putrajaya Court.
According to MACC sources, three of the individuals were remanded for five days starting Feb 21.
The fourth was remanded for three days before being released last Sunday, the sources added.
No News Is Bad News reproduces below the slew of news compiled by The Coverage:
RM266 Million Keluarga Malaysia Tablet Supply Project Scandal
27 February, 2025
Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Malaysia’s ninth Prime Minister from August 2021 to November 2022, has been linked to several corruption allegations and scandals, though no definitive legal convictions have tied him directly to wrongdoing as of February 26, 2025. Most of the controversies surrounding him stem from his administration’s actions, his aides, and public speculation rather than conclusive evidence against him personally.
One prominent issue is the investigation into the RM700 million spent on government publicity during his tenure. In January 2024, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) questioned Ismail Sabri about these funds, which were tied to the “Keluarga Malaysia” campaign he launched to boost economic recovery post-COVID-19. Critics slammed the expenditure as excessive and potentially misappropriated, with the MACC probing whether it involved misconduct. While Ismail Sabri provided testimony, no charges have been filed against him personally, and the investigation’s outcome remains unclear.
More recently, in February 2025, four of his former aides were detained by MACC over allegations of corruption and money laundering. Reports indicate that over RM100 million in cash—some sources claim up to RM150 million—was seized from the home of one aide, identified in some posts as his former political secretary. This raid, which also uncovered documents, jewelry, and electronic devices, followed months of surveillance and has fueled speculation about the source of the funds, with theories ranging from political financing to kickbacks. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the arrests and described the seized amount as “hefty,” but the investigation is ongoing, and no direct link to Ismail Sabri has been officially established. His hospitalization due to high blood pressure around the same time—February 22, 2025—has led some to question whether it was a genuine health issue or a convenient excuse, though medical reports confirm he remains under supervision with a stable but fluctuating condition.
Other allegations from his time as PM include claims of cronyism in government contracts. For instance, a RM266 million tablet supply project under the Keluarga Malaysia initiative and a special quota for 12,000 Bangladeshi workers were flagged by critics as potentially benefiting connected parties. Blogs and opposition voices have suggested his Principal Private Secretary, Dato’ Nor Nazimah Hashim, played a role in steering these deals, but no hard evidence has surfaced, and MACC investigations into such matters have not yet yielded public results implicating Ismail Sabri directly.
His political party, UMNO, has a long history of corruption scandals, most notably the 1MDB fiasco under Najib Razak, which ousted UMNO from power in 2018. Ismail Sabri’s rise to the premiership in 2021 marked UMNO’s return, but his administration inherited a fragile coalition and public skepticism. While some observers, like PKR’s Wong Chen, have noted that Ismail Sabri himself was not widely seen as personally corrupt—unlike his predecessor Muhyiddin Yassin—his reliance on advisers and coalition dynamics left room for questionable dealings under his watch.
Public sentiment, especially on platforms like X, reflects frustration and suspicion, with users questioning how aides amassed such wealth and why Ismail Sabri hasn’t faced stronger scrutiny. However, as of now, the scandals remain tied to his associates or unproven claims rather than confirmed charges against him. The lack of conclusive legal action suggests either insufficient evidence or a slow-moving investigative process, common in Malaysia’s complex political landscape. Still, these events have cemented a narrative of controversy around his short 15-month tenure, even if the full story remains unresolved.
Malaysia Will End Up With All Former Prime Ministers Going To Jail – Tun M , Ismail Sabri & Muhyiddin
25 February, 2025
The time will come when nobody wants to become prime minister in Malaysia!
The story in an article published by Finance Twitter dated December 7, 2022 titled RM600 Billion Covid Scandal – Muhyiddin & His Band Of Crooks Could Be Charged For Money Laundering & CBT could be one of the reasons why it may happen
Power hungry
When Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin confronted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak over the infamous 1MDB scandal in 2015, he was sacked. However, the former deputy prime minister did not go against his boss because he was disgusted with the corruption and money laundering involving the 1Malaysia Development Bhd sovereign funds. Rather, power-hungry Muhyiddin saw an opportunity.
Muhyiddin was as corrupt as Najib
Muhyiddin saw the 1MDB scandal as his best chance to topple and subsequently replace his scandal-plagued boss. Make no mistake – he was as corrupt as Najib. After all, it was Muhyiddin as Agriculture Minister who approved the dubious RM250 million loan to Minister Tan Sri Shahrizat Jalil on October 27, 2006 on a project called NFC (National Feedlot Corporation) – popularly known as Cowgate Scandal.
Muhyiddin-Mahathir combined
If you believe Mahiaddin (Muhyiddin) didn’t get his cut, you should also believe that Joe Biden is still a virgin. Mahiaddin thought he could easily pressure Najib to resign. But he was incredibly shocked when the PM boldly fired him instead. He cried and ran to former PM Mahathir Mohamad, who kindly welcomed him and together they fought Najib by joining forces with opposition Pakatan Harapan.
Backdoor prime minister
When Najib-led Barisan Nasional government lost power for the first time in the 2018 General Election, Mahiaddin again saw his golden opportunity. He finally became the 8th Prime Minister – through the backdoor – when he betrayed his friends and allies, withdrawing support for the Pakatan Harapan government and formed Perikatan Nasional regime with defeated Barisan Nasional and extremist PAS Islamist party.
Parliament was shut down
Not only Mahiaddin was Malaysia’s first backdoor prime minister, his legitimacy was being questioned as he had never allowed the Parliament to table a vote of confidence. When he was sworn in on March 1, 2020, he did not have the minimum 112 MPs to form a simple majority government in the 222-seat Parliament. He shut down the Parliament under the pretext of fighting Covid-19.
State of Emergency
Ruling with absolute power during a State of Emergency, there were no check and balance during Muhyiddin’s 17-month regime. From confusion over lockdown rules and snail-paced vaccination to U-turns in policies and double standards in enforcing restrictions, the backdoor government that came to power thru treachery and betrayal was pressing the wrong buttons for months.
8 economic packages worth RM530 billion
A whopping eight economic packages worth RM530 billion in total was declared by Mahiaddin during the pandemic, including RM117 billion to protect welfare (cash handouts), RM163 billion to support business (wage subsidy, financing), RM213 billion to protect welfare and support business (electricity discount, loan moratorium), RM9 billion to combat Covid-19 and RM9 billion to recover the economy.
4.8% unemployment rate
Yet, the unemployment rate had skyrocketed to 4.8%, foreign direct investments (FDI) have dropped by 68%, some 32,000 small-and-medium-businesses have closed down, Fitch Ratings’ has downgraded Malaysia’s credit rating from A- to BBB+ and economy – GDP – has plunged by 5.6% – the worst contraction since the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis.
The cat’s out of the bag
More importantly, the people – regardless of race and religion – simply did not feel any direct or spill over economic effect despite the various stimulus. Either PM Muhyiddin had lied through his teeth or massive amount of money had been siphoned or plundered away. The cat’s out of the bag after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim became the 10th Prime Minister after the 2022 General Election.
Misappropriate funds
At a media conference after chairing the special Cabinet of the unity government on December 5, PM Anwar said his Finance Ministry had informed that there had been several breaches involving the Covid-19 funds. Apparently, there were some dubious expenditures involving the RM600 billion. Of course, Muhyiddin has claimed innocence, claiming he did not misappropriate funds.
Press the button
By now, everyone knows how Muhyiddin likes to issue empty threats. He used to threaten governing partner UMNO that the fragile government would easily collapse if he “presses the button”, only to stay silent when his bluff was called. Today, he again plays his version of the childish poker game with Anwar, hoping to pull off a bluff. But the PM is calling his bluff.
Muhyiddin, Zafrul and Khairy Jamaluddin
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will now grill Muhyiddin, Zafrul and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin in the investigation of the misappropriation of RM600 billion government funds. The involvement of Khairy means that the scandal could involve the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines, which had already invited suspicions due to lack of transparency.
Tengku Razaleigh estimates RM234, the vaccine cost per dose
In early December 2020, Khairy rubbished veteran lawmaker Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s claim that Malaysia’s vaccine deal with Pfizer cost the government RM3 billion, including RM1 billion for transportation and storage. The then-Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation had also rejected Razaleigh’s estimate that the cost per dose of the vaccine was RM234.
Khairy denies
The claim that the government had used up the entire allocation of RM3 billion to cover just 20% of the population was denied by Khairy. Instead, he said – “Based on our current negotiations to acquire a portfolio of vaccines, we are still within our estimate of RM3 billion to acquire enough doses to cover 70% of our population”. In fact, Khairy confirmed in November 2020 that Pfizer vaccine will be priced at less than RM100 per dose.
“US$21 (RM87.50) each”
Under the COVAX facility, Malaysia was offered a maximum price set for the Covid-19 vaccine at “US$21 (RM87.50) each”. Suddenly, in mid-March 2021, PM Muhyiddin announced that the allocation for the Covid-19 immunisation programme would be increased from RM3 billion to RM5 billion to reach herd immunity status faster by December, instead of February 2022.
Khairy quietly requests additional RM5 billion
Does it make sense to splash additional RM2 billion (or 67% more than the initial cost of RM3 billion) just to speed up the vaccination exercise by a mere two months? Fine, let’s assume Khairy failed his Math and made some mistakes in his calculations in November 2020, but in order not to lose face he made the correction and quietly asked for RM5 billion some five months later.
Emergency law to raid and rape RM22.4 billion
Stunningly, in just a month, the regime unilaterally passed a new emergency law to raid and rape the national trust fund of RM17.4 billion. Including the RM5 billion, the dictatorship of Muhyiddin could have wiped out RM22.4 billion in the “procurement of vaccines and any expenditure incurred in relation to the vaccines”. Thanks to the State of Emergency, nobody knows how the trust fund would be used.
RM829 per dose?
Assuming the worst, it would mean a dose of vaccine would cost RM829 (27 million doses) or RM414 (54 million doses) to fully vaccinate 80% of the population. Regardless how you calculate, it appears the price for each dose of vaccine is higher than RM100 a pop. This also means Razaleigh was right after all when he estimated the cost per dose of the vaccine was RM234.
Najib’s 1MDB scandal becomes too small compared to Muhyiddin’s
It doesn’t matter whether it was for the procurement of Pfizer or other brands of Covid-19 vaccines. The corrupt administration of Muhyiddin could use the same methodology and formula to mark-up the vaccine prices and makes tens of billions of Ringgit in profit. But this is just the tip of an iceberg. There is also the MySejahtera app scandal. The entire scandal is as huge as RM600 billion, making Najib’s 1MDB scandal looks like child’s play.
Gambling money
PM Anwar has also hinted that Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin could have obtained proceeds from gambling companies to help finance the 15th General Election campaign. Under Muhyiddin administration, special lottery draws were increased from 8 to 22, despite the anti-gambling stance of Islamist party Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS), which is part of the ruling Perikatan Nasional coalition.
Special draws
The previous Pakatan Harapan government had reduced the number of special draws from 22 to 8 in order to minimise social ills caused by gambling. The special draws – which are a special addition to the regularly allowed three draws per week – normally involves a much larger winner’s pot. The government imposes an extra tax on special draws, providing an extra revenue on top of the regular gambling tax.
Special draws to boost government’s revenue
The special draws were especially designed to boost the government’s revenue. The special draws, which contributed RM80 million in extra revenue for the government in 1999 (the year it was first introduced during the premiership of Mahathir), reached a high of RM238 million in 2017, and averaged a revenue of RM200 million a year in recent years – money that enabled Perikatan Nasional spent lavishly on general election.
MACC has opened investigation paper
The fact that the MACC has opened investigation paper on the misappropriation of RM600 billion, and is summoning Muhyiddin, Zafrul and Khairy indicates that charges could be filed soon. Money laundering and criminal breach of trust (CBT) could be slapped on Mahiaddin and his band of crooks disguised as clean Malay and Muslim leaders. The chicken has come home to roost.
Source : Permadu Blogpost
The Coverage/News/Over RM100 Million In Cash Found Stashed In Home Of ex-PM Ismail Sabri’s Aide – Too Much Money Until Stored In Multiple Bags & Safes Across Several Rooms
Over RM100 Million In Cash Found Stashed In Home Of ex-PM Ismail Sabri’s Aide – Too Much Money Until Stored In Multiple Bags & Safes Across Several Rooms
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized more than RM100 million in cash during a raid at the home of an aide to former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
According to the New Straits Times, a source said the money was discovered in multiple bags and safes across several rooms in the house.
The special investigation team also confiscated documents, jewellery, and electronic devices as part of an ongoing probe into alleged abuse of power and money laundering.
The raid followed months of surveillance, with investigators now working to determine the origin of the funds, including possible links to political financing.
A key figure among Ismail Sabri’s former staff is reportedly under scrutiny for his role in handling the seized cash.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki previously confirmed the arrest of four aides to the former prime minister to assist in the investigation.
While he did not disclose the total amount recovered, Azam described it as a “hefty sum” and said the probe is ongoing.
Ismail Sabri was admitted to a hospital in Kota Damansara after collapsing at home on Saturday due to high blood pressure, but is now in stable condition.
Here Are The Files , Letter & Documentation Of Ismail Sabri Strategic Communication Spending Worth RM 282 Millions
24 February, 2025
Ismail Sabri Coup Against Madani Administration Checkmated – This Is Just A Warning Shot
24 February, 2025
IS the recent Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) action against four officers linked to PMX Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s predecessor Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob part of the move to thwart a rumoured coup against the Madani administration?
Earlier this month, there were talks that Ismail Sabri will make a comeback as Malaysia’s 11th PM after his brief stint as the ninth premier.
Former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim had picked up on what’s in the rumour mill about a “Reset Malaysia” scenario that features the former UMNO vice-president at the helm with Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as his deputies.
Even Philip Golingai, a political columnist from The Star, had acknowledged the existence of such coup.
Whether true or not, the timing of the action against Ismail Sabri’s ex-aides is certainly uncanny.
Just as speculation surfaced about the Bera MP assuming a second premiership, the MACC swooped in, detaining four of his former officers over alleged corruption involving the “Keluarga Malaysia” programme.
‘Warning shot’
This isn’t the first time Ismail Sabri has been under the graft buster’s radar. Back in January 2024, he was interviewed over the RM700 mil in government publicity spending over his “Keluarga Malaysia” branding initiatives.
However, no charges were brought against him or his associates at the time.
Why move in now which is more than a year later? Could this be a preemptive strike designed to neutralise any potential threat before it gains traction?
This isn’t the first time that PMX has been accused of weaponising government institutions to tighten his grip on power. He himself had alluded to excessive spending on government publicity under previous administrations, prompting an MACC probe.
The fact that Ismail Sabri is now facing fresh heat just as his name is being floated as a possible PM candidate raises the obvious question: Is this a warning shot?
We have seen this playbook before. The timing of MACC actions and the government’s rhetoric often align conveniently with Anwar’s political needs.
Consider how the DNAA (discharge not amounting to acquittal) granted to Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi played out.
The decision defied the very reformist ideals that PMX had long championed but it secured UMNO’s continued loyalty for his Madani government.
For all the talk of reform, Anwar’s government is increasingly resembling the very regimes he once fought against.
If indeed PMX is indeed orchestrating a takedown of Ismail Sabri to eliminate a potential challenger, it’s a dangerous game.
It would send a chilling message to any leader contemplating an alternative coalition that stepping out of line will invite swift and decisive consequences.
With Ismail Sabri’s political fate now uncertain, the larger question remains: How far will PMX go to secure his position? The whispers of a coup may have been dismissed as mere speculation but in Malaysian politics, the impossible has a way of becoming reality.
Such as how a self-styled reformist like PMX who now seems willing to mirror the very tactics of those he once opposed.
Source : Focus
RM62 Million Spent To Pump Up Ismail Sabri’s ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ Over The 14 Months He Was Prime Minister
23 February, 2025
The government spent over RM62 million to popularise Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s “Keluarga Malaysia” concept during his approximately 16 months as prime minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said today.
The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions said in a written parliamentary reply that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration also spent RM181,752 to promote the “Kerajaan Prihatin” motto during his time in office.
“Only one programme was organised under the Kerajaan Prihatin government rebranding exercise as during the 8th prime minister’s administration, the country was under the movement control order,” Arminian pointed out in the reply.
As for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s “Malaysia Madani” concept, he said RM489,216 was spent as of January 30.
He was replying to Amanah’s Sri Gading MP Aminolhuda Hassn who asked the prime minister to state the total allocations spend for each administration’s rebranding exercises.
Source : Malay Mail
Four Were Arrested – Investigations Into Several Cases Linked To RM 700 Million Corruption During Ismail Sabri’s Administration
23 February, 2025
TWO individuals with the title ‘Datuk’ were among four senior officers of former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The four were arrested to assist in further investigations into several cases linked to corruption during Ismail Sabri’s administration.
Sources said the arrest was made by the MACC under Section 16a of the MACC Act and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).
“Three of them were remanded until this Tuesday while a woman who was also an assistant to a Datuk was released today,” said the source.
It is learnt that several cases are currently being investigated by the MACC, including one involving government fund expenditures amounting to RM700 million for promotional and publicity purposes.
The remand order was issued by Magistrate Irza Zulaikha.
Ismail Sabri served as the ninth prime minister from 2021 to 2022.
It was previously reported that a former prime minister and individuals who served as his aides during his tenure were among “no less than four individuals” that the MACC would call in for questioning over the matter.
The investigations were after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed in the Dewan Rakyat in November 2023 that RM700 million had been spent since 2020 to promote the government.
Three PMs during 2020 – 2022 period
Malaysia had three prime ministers during the 2020-2022 period, namely Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who served from May 2018 up until February 2020, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin from February 2020 to August 2021, and Ismail Sabri from August 2021 to November 2022.
Reports then circulated that the former prime minister was Ismail Sabri.
The MACC said one former prime minister would be called to assist the investigation which would centre on how government funds were spent, and which companies received the funding.
Anwar had said the bulk of the spending was handled by the Prime Minister’s Office for advertisements and media buys to promote government initiatives.
He said RM500 million was spent during Muhyiddn’s tenure, and that this included promoting the government’s Covid-19 initiatives.
He said the balance RM200 million was used during Ismail Sabri’s administration.
“This means that, on average, over RM300 million per year was expended on advertising, promotion and publicity to publicise the government’s efforts.
“I personally believe these breached rules and regulations, showing excessive spending,” Anwar was reported as saying at the time.
Source : The Vibes
MACC Questions Ex-PM Ismail Sabri In Excessive RM700 Million Publicity Spending Probe
23 February, 2025
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri has had his statement recorded by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over the the government’s RM700 million publicity spending in 2020 to 2022.
The agency confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday evening.
It was previously reported that a former prime minister and individuals who served as his aide during his tenure are among “no less than four individuals” that the MACC would call in for questioning over the matter.
Malaysia had three prime ministers during the 2020-2022 period, namely Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who served from May 2018 up until February 2020, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin from February 2020 to August 2021, and Ismail Sabri from August 2021 to November 2022.
Reports then circulated that the former prime minister was Ismail Sabri.
On Monday, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki told reporters during an event he attended in Sepang that the investigation will centre on how government funds were spent, and which companies received the funding.
He also said that only one former prime minister would be called in to assist in the investigations for now.
The probe started last week, following a statement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat in November last year.
At the time, Anwar said RM500 million was earmarked for publicity spending during Muhyiddin’s tenure, while the balance RM200 million was used during Ismail Sabri’s administration.
“This means that, on average, over RM300 million per year was expended on advertising, promotion and publicity to publicise the government’s efforts. I personally believe this breached rules and regulations, showing excessive spending,” Anwar was reported as saying at the time.
KELUARGA MALAYSIA’ CAMPAIGN REVEALS STRANGE NAMES
In a significant development, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has initiated an investigation into alleged corruption associated with the ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ campaign, a project spearheaded by former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The probe, focusing on certain projects during Ismail’s tenure, has prompted MACC investigators to deploy a team to the Prime Minister’s Department and the Finance Ministry to retrieve pertinent documents believed to shed light on alleged irregularities surrounding specific projects executed during Ismail’s leadership.
Media reports have revealed that the inquiry specifically targets contracts related to promoting the ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ concept, introduced by Ismail in August 2021. The investigators are concentrating on alleged corruption in awarding contracts for ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ billboards and promotional materials, with estimates suggesting the contracts could be valued around RM300 million.
It is widely speculated that the proposed RM282.28 million budget breakdown compromised of Mainstream Media (RM81.28m); Digital Portal (RM28m); Research, Digital Seeding & Application (RM19m); Billboards & Mobile Ads (RM50m); Online & Social Media (RM 50.5m) ; Keluarga Malaysia Souvenirs (RM27.5m); and Services (RM26m).
Altogether 7 vendors were awarded the PMO 9 Communication Plan and Media Buy exercise under Direct Nego and is said to include Violet Pacific; Terranego; 99 Media; VS; Aurora; AACWL; and ITVCAD. Additionally, some sources claim that RM54.7m relating to PM9 Keluarga Malaysia comms and media buy remained unutilised due to the change of Government at the end of November 2022 after the 15th. General Election.
In addition to Ismail Sabri Yaakob, several of his former officers, including an aide appointed to a senior position in the Prime Minister’s Office, are subjects of the MACC investigation. The agency is anticipating summoning Ismail and the former officers for statements, with plans to call them soon.
MACC Chief Azam Baki confirmed the ongoing investigation into the former prime minister and several former officers under the MACC Act 2009. However, Baki declined to provide further details when contacted by media outlets.
Recent reports suggest that MACC is also preparing to summon another former top government leader and a former private secretary for questioning next week. The two individuals are under investigation for the alleged misappropriation of millions of ringgit from a government fund.
This development comes on the heels of government spokesperson and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil’s statement urging transparency in the RM700 million expenditure on advertising and publicity by the previous two governments.
Diving deeper into the breakdown of these expenses, Anwar Ibrahim informed the Dewan Rakyat that a considerable chunk of RM500 million was disbursed during the tenure of former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, spanning from 2020 to 2021. The remaining RM200 million, on the other hand, was expended during the subsequent administration led by Prime Minister Ismail, covering the period from 2021 to 2022.
The disclosure by Anwar Ibrahim has ignited debates and concerns among various quarters.
“This translates to an average annual expenditure exceeding RM300 million on advertising, promotion, and publicity endeavours aimed at showcasing the government’s initiatives,” Anwar Ibrahim commented. He further expressed his apprehensions, suggesting that such a level of spending might be in violation of established rules and regulations, indicating potential excessive expenditure.
The probe into this substantial advertising and publicity spending has raised questions about transparency, accountability, and the necessity of such a significant financial commitment. The public, stakeholders, and political observers are keenly awaiting the findings of the investigation to shed light on whether the allocated funds were utilised effectively and efficiently to communicate the government’s achievements.
While the intent behind promoting the government’s efforts and achievements is understandable, the scale and magnitude of the expenditure has sparked concerns about fiscal responsibility and prudence. Critics argue that such vast amounts of money could have been allocated to other pressing needs or utilised more judiciously to benefit the nation and its citizens.
As the probe unfolds, it is essential to ensure a thorough and comprehensive investigation that examines all aspects of the RM700 million expenditure. The findings of this investigation will not only determine the accountability of the previous administrations but also pave the way for reforms, transparency, and improved governance in managing public funds.
Source : Marketing Magazine
Ex-PM Ismail Sabri hospitalised after being found unconscious
Former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, 65, was rushed to hospital after being found unconscious early this morning.
His aide, Ikhmal Hakim, confirmed the matter in a brief message.
“Yes. Please pray for his recovery,” he told FMT.
“We have yet to find out the cause. Waiting for (the doctor’s) report.”
One of Ismail’s aides, Azran Fitri Rahim, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post, saying that Ismail was taken to Sunway Medical Centre in Kota Damansara at 2.30am.
Attached to the post was a picture of the former prime minister resting in a hospital bed.
It is understood that his condition is currently stable and he is with his family.
Ismail served as the ninth prime minister from 2021 to 2022. He is also currently the Bera MP.
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