Ismail Sabri pleads not guilty to failing to declare assets to MACC

Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to declare his assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). This marks a significant legal development, as Ismail Sabri is the third former Prime Minister to face charges in court.

The specific charges detail a failure to declare substantial assets, including Malaysian Ringgit, Singapore Dollars, US Dollars, Swiss Francs, Euros, Japanese Yen, British Pounds, New Zealand Dollars, Emirati Dirhams, and Australian Dollars. The declaration also allegedly omitted several gold bars and gold coins.

The prosecution has brought forth the charges under Section 36(2) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009. This section stipulates a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding five years and a fine of up to RM100,000 for such an offense.

Details of the undeclared assets include RM14,772,150, SG$6,132,350 (equivalent to RM19,430,464.16), AS$1,461,400 (RM5,885,661.28), CHF3,000,000 (RM15,001,831.12), €12,164,150 (RM57,098,294.81), ¥363,000,000 (RM9,183,892.75), GBP50,250 (RM275,053.76), NZD44,600 (RM106,858.24), AED34,750,000 (RM38,106,597.49), and AUD$352,850 (RM1,020,415.27). Additionally, five 1kg Suisse gold bars, one 5-gram gold coin, and one 100g silver bar were reportedly not declared.