In a statement, MACC said its investigation is focussed on the spending and funding for promotional and publicity purposes during Ismail’s tenure as the head of the government from August 2021 to November 2022.

“Ismail was instructed to declare his assets under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009 on Dec 11, 2024. The asset declaration was officially submitted on Feb 10 this year,” the anti-graft agency said.

“Ismail was summoned by MACC on Feb 19 to provide a statement at its headquarters. MACC has not ruled out the possibility that he may be called again to assist with further investigations.”

MACC also said it has identified nearly 10 witnesses who will be called “in the near future” to assist with the investigation.

“We would like to emphasise that the investigation is being conducted independently, professionally, and in accordance with the prevailing laws,” it said.

“MACC is committed to ensuring that any form of corruption and money laundering are dealt with firmly for the benefit of the nation.”

On Feb 22, Ismail collapsed at home and was hospitalised for blood pressure-related problems.

Last Thursday, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the agency would summon eight individuals as part of its investigation following the arrest of four of Ismail’s former senior officers.

They were remanded on Feb 21 over their suspected involvement in corruption and have since been released.

Azam previously said the case was being investigated under Section 16(a) of the MACC Act, which deals with soliciting and accepting bribes, as well as the anti-money laundering law.

Last year, MACC began a probe into RM700 million allegedly used for promotional and publicity purposes to showcase the government’s achievements during the two previous administrations, between March 2020 and November 2022.

MACC was seeking to discover how the money was spent, and had called up the companies which received the funds from the government.