Former Malaysian PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob charged with failing to declare assets

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob appeared in the Sessions Court to face charges of intentionally failing to declare substantial assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The 66-year-old politician, who served as the country's ninth Prime Minister, pleaded not guilty to the charges before Judge Suzana Hussin.

The prosecution alleged that Ismail Sabri failed to comply with a notice under Section 36(1)(a) of the MACC Act 2009. The undeclared assets reportedly include significant amounts of cash in various foreign currencies, totaling RM14,772,150, US$1,461,400, €12,164,150, ¥363,000,000, and other denominations. Additionally, the list includes five one-kilogram gold bars, a 100-gram silver piece, and a five-gram gold coin.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan proposed bail at RM500,000 with one surety, also requesting the Member of Parliament for Bera's passport be surrendered to the court. However, Ismail Sabri's defense lawyer, Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, argued that the proposed bail amount was excessive and punitive.

Ultimately, the court set bail at RM300,000 with one surety and imposed no additional conditions. The charges fall under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009, which carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a fine of up to RM100,000 upon conviction.