The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed that former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri is a key suspect in an ongoing corruption probe involving hundreds of millions of ringgit in government funds.
MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki revealed that RM170 million in cash and other valuables were seized during a raid at an apartment linked to the case. The confiscated items were displayed at a media briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Putrajaya.
Seized assets
The MACC disclosed that the RM170 million comprised multiple currencies, including the Malaysian Ringgit, British Pound, Saudi Riyal, Thai Baht, Korean Won, Euro, Swiss Franc, and Chinese Yuan. Additionally, 16kg of gold bars, estimated to be worth RM7 million, were discovered at the same location, believed to be a safe house.
Jewellery and luxury watches were also confiscated, although the MACC did not provide a detailed valuation. However, online sources suggest that some of the watches, including models resembling the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and Rolex Submariner, range in price from RM60,000 to RM250,000. Other seized jewellery included gold and diamond necklaces and earrings.
Bank account investigations
The MACC has not yet frozen the accounts of Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia or Ismail Sabri. However, investigations into his financial records are ongoing. To date, 13 bank accounts belonging to individuals linked to the case, amounting to RM2 million, have been frozen as part of the corruption and money laundering probe.
“We have yet to freeze the Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia account as it is not an individual account and remains active, while Ismail Sabri’s account is still under investigation. We have also requested an explanation from him regarding all the accounts involved,” said Azam.
Most of the accounts belonging to suspects detained by the MACC have already been frozen. The agency is also in the process of recording statements from seven to eight additional individuals for further investigation.
Ismail Sabri’s involvement
Several senior officials who served under Ismail Sabri during his tenure as prime minister, including his former private secretary, have already provided statements to the MACC. Ismail Sabri himself was questioned for five hours last Tuesday regarding the allocation of hundreds of millions of ringgit spent on promotional and publicity expenditures during his administration.
The Bera MP was later hospitalised for high blood pressure after reportedly collapsing at home last Saturday. Despite his health concerns, he is scheduled to provide further statements to the MACC on Wednesday (5 March). The session will focus on his asset declaration and other matters under investigation.
Azam confirmed that Ismail Sabri is officially a suspect in the case. “In this matter, I can say that he is a suspect. Firstly, asset declarations have been required as per Section 36 of the MACC Act. Secondly, money was found with links to him. We will need his statement on the discovery,” he stated.
The investigation is being conducted under Section 16A of the MACC Act 2009 and The Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Four of Ismail Sabri’s former aides, who were arrested earlier, have been released on bail following the expiry of their remand period.
No selective prosecution
Azam dismissed allegations of selective prosecution, stating that the MACC acts independently and based on evidence. “I always maintain that we investigate in a professional and fair manner. We act on our own based on information and evidence,” he said.