Shockwaves hit Malaysia earlier this week when it was revealed that former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had been named a suspect in a corruption investigation. The probe centers around the seizure of 170 million ringgit (US$38.6 million) in cash, gold, and other luxury items from alleged safe houses operated by his senior aides.
The public outcry wasn’t just due to Ismail Sabri’s suspected involvement but also the staggering quantities of wealth discovered—16 gold bars and high-end Hublot watches among the items seized.
Although it wasn’t entirely unexpected for Ismail Sabri to come under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), many Malaysians took to social media to mock the country’s shortest-serving prime minister, using satire to express their frustration.
The MACC’s announcement on Monday makes Ismail Sabri the third former PM in Malaysia to face corruption investigations, following his predecessors Muhyiddin Yassin and the now-imprisoned Najib Razak.
Two years ago, Muhyiddin was charged with abuse of power and money laundering linked to 232.5 million ringgit (US$52.8 million) in alleged bribes amassed during his brief tenure as PM between March 2020 and August 2021. Meanwhile, Najib is serving a reduced six-year sentence for crimes related to the scandal-plagued 1MDB fund, particularly involving 42 million ringgit (US$9.5 million) taken from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit.
Ismail Sabri’s Health Status
The health condition of Ismail Sabri remains unclear as his medical leave ends on Wednesday (March 12). According to Malay daily Sinar Harian, the doctor treating Ismail Sabri has yet to confirm whether he is fit to provide a statement to the MACC.
Sinar Harian cited sources indicating that the MACC had previously obtained a statement from the doctor to aid in the investigation. The doctor’s report suggested that they couldn’t confirm Ismail Sabri’s health status until his medical leave concludes. If deemed fit, the MACC will proceed with recording his statement.
Additionally, the source revealed that 13 bank accounts, holding an estimated RM9.33 million, have been frozen as part of the investigation.
So far, the MACC has recorded statements from 36 individuals in connection with corruption and money laundering cases involving the 9th Prime Minister. As of Monday (March 10), 32 witnesses and four former officials of Ismail Sabri had provided statements.
Furthermore, 23 new witnesses are expected to be summoned soon.
On Friday (March 7), MACC investigators interviewed a doctor, holding the title Datuk, at a Petaling Jaya hospital where Ismail Sabri is being treated, to assess his condition.
Ismail Sabri was scheduled to give a statement at the MACC headquarters last Friday but couldn’t attend due to his ongoing health issues. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that the statement recording would be postponed to Wednesday, as Ismail Sabri remains on medical leave.
On February 10, Ismail Sabri had submitted an asset declaration ahead of his originally scheduled statement recording on February 19.
The investigation is being conducted under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).
In related developments, the MACC has seized around RM170 million in cash in various international currencies, including Baht, Riyal, Pound Sterling, Won, Euro, Swiss Franc, and Yuan. Additionally, 16kg of gold bars, valued at about RM7 million, have also been confiscated.
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