Malaysia
Ismail Sabri named suspect in RM700 million corruption probe, to be questioned on 5 March
Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been named a suspect in a corruption probe involving RM700 million in government funds. The MACC confirmed he will be questioned on March 5. Seized assets include RM170 million in cash and 16kg of gold bars.
Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been officially named a suspect in an ongoing corruption investigation involving RM700 million (US$157 million) in government funds.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed he will be called in for questioning on 5 March 2025.
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki announced this on 3 March, stating that the case concerns funds allegedly misused under the “Keluarga Malaysia” promotional campaign during Ismail Sabri’s tenure.
The campaign was a central initiative of his administration between August 2021 and November 2022, aimed at fostering unity and economic recovery amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a press conference, Azam emphasised that Ismail Sabri is a suspect in the case, clarifying that the former premier had already declared his wealth as part of the ongoing investigation.
The probe is being conducted under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Seizures and Frozen Assets
Authorities have seized nearly RM170 million in cash across various currencies, along with 16kg of gold bars valued at RM7 million.
The assets were reportedly confiscated from three locations, including a “safe house” in the Klang Valley.
Among the seized foreign currencies were the Thai baht, Saudi riyal, British pound, Korean won, euro, Swiss franc, and Chinese yuan, Azam confirmed, as reported by the New Straits Times.
Additionally, 13 bank accounts holding a total of RM2 million have been frozen as of 3 March. However, these do not include Ismail Sabri’s personal account or the Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia account, which remains active.
Azam stated that an explanation regarding all the accounts involved has been requested from the former prime minister.
Background and Investigation Progress
The investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds began last month, following accusations of abuse of power and embezzlement linked to Ismail Sabri’s government.
The MACC has already detained four senior officials who served under his administration.
Ismail Sabri was first questioned by the anti-graft agency on 19 February, shortly after he submitted a wealth declaration on 10 February under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act.
However, on 22 February, he was hospitalised after reportedly collapsing at home.
MACC officials have indicated that statements will be recorded from seven to eight more individuals, including several former senior government officials. Among them is Nazimah Hashim, Ismail Sabri’s former private secretary.
MACC Denies Selective Prosecution Claims
Azam dismissed any suggestion of selective prosecution, stating that the MACC operates with professionalism and fairness.
“We act on our own based on information and evidence,” he said at the MACC headquarters, as quoted by The Star.
The “Keluarga Malaysia” campaign, which was replaced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s “Malaysia Madani” initiative, is now at the centre of this high-profile investigation. Authorities continue to scrutinise the financial transactions linked to the campaign to determine the extent of alleged misconduct.
