KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has denied allegations that he and 13 other Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs have withdrawn their support for the unity government, dismissing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
Speculation on social media suggested he had distanced himself from the government, but Ismail Sabri reaffirmed his commitment to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership.
“Actually, this rumour has been around for a long time, and at first, I didn’t want to entertain it because it wasn’t true, but it kept spreading through writings and videos.
“So finally today (Saturday), I feel compelled to respond. This claim is untrue. They say we have left, but in reality, no one has left Umno or BN (Barisan Nasional); instead, we remain in the government,” he told Sinar Ahad.
The Bera MP suggested that certain parties might have malicious intent in spreading such claims, particularly targeting him and the 13 MPs.
“I think there may be ill intent behind the spread of such stories, especially towards me, and it tarnishes my image when I have always stated my loyalty to Umno.
“It is also slander that aims to divide us and create suspicion among BN MPs,” he said.
He pointed out that BN MPs had consistently demonstrated their support for the government, citing their unanimous backing of the confidence motion and various legislative matters.
“When it was first tabled, all 30 BN MPs fully supported the motion brought forward, and every time a bill was presented, we gave our full support,” he said.
On March 17, BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Kadir also dismissed allegations of internal efforts to undermine party unity, describing them as politically motivated speculation.
Meanwhile, when asked about his Ramadan activities this year, Ismail Sabri said he had been unable to visit bazaars or engage with traders as he usually did.
“My health is improving, Alhamdulillah, and thank you to the people for their kind comments and prayers for my well-being,” he said.
Ongoing MACC probe
Ismail Sabri is scheduled to continue recording his statement with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Monday at 10 am as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and money laundering.
He is being investigated over allegations linked to the expenditure and procurement of funds for the ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ publicity and promotion programme during his tenure as prime minister from August 2021 to November 2022.
The case falls under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Ismail Sabri arrived at the MACC office at 9:54 am today, marking the sixth time he has given a statement in relation to the case.
Last Monday, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki revealed that new investigation files had been opened following fresh intelligence, adding that several key questions remained unanswered.
On March 3, Azam confirmed that Ismail Sabri was a suspect after MACC uncovered approximately RM170 million in cash—held in various currencies—along with 16 kilogrammes of gold bars in a safe house during a raid.
Meanwhile, an MACC source confirmed that the former prime minister is scheduled to resume his statement recording at 10 am on Monday. – March 23, 2025