Ex-Malaysian PM charged with concealing assets

Kuala Lumpur – Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been formally charged with failing to declare assets, marking the latest high-profile prosecution in a series of graft-related investigations targeting former leaders.

Ismail Sabri, who served as prime minister for just over 15 months between 2021 and 2022 during a period of political instability, appeared in a Kuala Lumpur lower court on Thursday. He pleaded not guilty to charges of concealing assets that reportedly included local and foreign currencies, as well as gold bars and silver. He was subsequently released on 300,000 ringgit ($74,534) bail.

If convicted, Ismail Sabri faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to 100,000 ringgit. The charges stem from an investigation by the country's anti-graft agency. Last March, the agency had stated that Ismail Sabri had submitted an asset declaration following an order related to its probe into alleged graft and money laundering. This investigation followed the seizure of nearly $40 million in assets reportedly linked to him, including 170 million ringgit in cash and 16 kg of gold bars.

A trained lawyer, Ismail Sabri has had a long career in politics, holding various positions including lawmaker and cabinet minister under three different prime ministers. His previous portfolios included rural and regional development, agriculture, and domestic trade, showcasing a diverse background before his premiership.