Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirmed that it has launched an investigation into former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob over allegations of corruption and money laundering.
In a statement released on March 2, the MACC said the probe focuses on expenditure and fund allocations for promotional and publicity purposes during Ismail Sabri’s tenure in office from August 2021 to November 2022.
The MACC said that the investigation is being carried out under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Accordingly, the former prime minister was ordered to declare his assets under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act on December 11, 2024, with the official declaration on February 10, 2025.
The MACC also said that it has arrested four senior officers who served under Ismail Sabri. Searches were later conducted at their residences and three other premises suspected of being used as “safe houses”.
Authorities have seized approximately 170 million MYR (over 38 million USD) in cash across multiple international currencies and 16 kg of pure gold bullion, valued at nearly 7 million MYR.
The MACC stressed that the investigation is being conducted independently and professionally, in full compliance with the law./.
