Malaysia's ex-PM Ismail Sabri charged with failing to declare assets

Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia's former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob appeared in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on August 27, facing charges under the nation's anti-corruption legislation. He pleaded not guilty to a single charge of failing to comply with a notice that required him to declare his assets.

The alleged offense occurred on February 7, 2025, at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters in Putrajaya. Prosecutors claim that Ismail Sabri provided a written statement that did not meet the requirements of the asset declaration notice. Specifically, he is accused of failing to declare cash holdings in several currencies, along with five gold bars, one silver bar, and a gold coin.

This legal action follows a significant seizure by graftbusters, who reportedly recovered approximately RM170 million (S$53 million) in foreign currencies and 16 kilograms of gold bars, valued at around RM7 million. These assets were confiscated during raids on premises linked to several of the former Prime Minister's aides.

Should he be found guilty, Ismail Sabri could face a prison sentence of up to five years and be liable for a fine of up to RM100,000. His court proceedings had previously been postponed due to health concerns; he underwent a leadless pacemaker implantation on August 7 to address an abnormal heart rhythm.