Former Malaysian PM Ismail Sabri Pays Bail, Vows to Clear Name

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has fulfilled the RM300,000 bail requirement set by the Sessions Court, as he faces charges related to alleged failure to declare substantial assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM).

The charges against Ismail Sabri include failing to declare over RM160 million in cash and 5.5 kilograms of gold. He appeared at the High Court's Criminal Registration counter to complete the bail process, accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Muhaini Zainal Abidin, and former UMNO Youth Chief, Khairy Jamaluddin.

Ismail Sabri's lawyer, Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, emphasized that his client's presence in court was to clear his name. The lawyer also provided an update on Ismail Sabri's health, noting his recovery following a pacemaker insertion procedure on August 7th for an abnormal heart rhythm at the National Heart Institute (IJN).

Previously, the former Prime Minister pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to declare assets totaling RM14.7 million, five kilograms of gold bars, and various foreign currencies, including Singapore Dollars, US Dollars, Swiss Francs, Euros, Japanese Yen, British Pounds, New Zealand Dollars, Emirati Dirhams, and Australian Dollars. He also allegedly failed to declare a 100-gram silver bar and a five-gram gold coin. These alleged offenses fall under Section 36(2) of the SPRM Act 2009, which carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a fine of up to RM100,000 if convicted.

Judge Suzana Hussin granted Ismail Sabri bail of RM300,000, secured by a family member as surety. The court has set September 29th for the next mention of the case.