The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has completed its investigation into alleged graft involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and is seeking to forfeit RM170 million in cash.
Ismail Sabri was investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. The probe is understood to be linked to expenditure and procurement for promotional activities under the Keluarga Malaysia initiative during his premiership from August 2021 to November 2022.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) has agreed to initiate forfeiture proceedings based on evidence obtained during the investigation.
“In this case, we have completed our investigation, and (the investigation papers) are now with the deputy public prosecutor.
“The information I received is that so far, the DPP has agreed to file within the next two weeks, firstly to forfeit the RM170 million.
“So it is up to him (Ismail Sabri) to challenge our application,” Azam said during a press conference in Putrajaya today.
He added that no decision had yet been made regarding possible criminal charges against the Bera MP.
“Regarding criminal charges, this has not yet been decided and I am awaiting word from the DPP,” he said.
On 22 May, the MACC confirmed that Ismail Sabri had declared his assets as part of the investigation into alleged graft linked to the Keluarga Malaysia public relations campaign. Azam had previously stated that the declaration was submitted on 10 February.
The MACC has recorded statements from 57 individuals in the course of the investigation.
Ismail Sabri’s former son-in-law, celebrity fashion designer Jovian Mandagie, is also expected to provide a statement to the MACC in Jakarta, Indonesia, this month. Azam said his officers had made contact with Jovian, who was expected to come forward after Hari Raya Haji.
During his asset declaration, Ismail Sabri named Jovian as a witness.