Malaysia’s former PM Ismail Sabri charged with concealing assets

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, 66, pleaded not guilty in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Thursday to a charge of failing to provide a complete declaration of assets to the country's anti-corruption agency. He is accused of concealing holdings worth approximately $40 million, including assets in nine currencies, gold, and silver. His lawyer stated the charge relates to a failure to comply with a notice to declare certain assets. The judge set bail at 300,000 ringgit and rejected a request to confiscate his passport. Ismail Sabri is the third former prime minister in Malaysia to face criminal charges after leaving office. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob pleaded not guilty in a Kuala Lumpur court on Thursday to failing to declare millions in local and foreign currencies and gold bars. The 66-year-old is accused of providing a written statement in February 2025 that did not comply with a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) notice requiring the declaration of specified assets. These assets, valued at approximately US$40 million, included various foreign currencies and five gold bars. This charge, under the MACC Act, follows an investigation into government publicity spending during his administration. If convicted, Ismail Sabri faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years and a fine.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob was charged with failing to declare his assets, becoming the third former leader to face criminal charges after leaving office. He pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleges an incomplete declaration of assets to the anti-corruption agency in January 2025, with the charge sheet listing significant amounts of cash, gold, and silver. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a fine. Ismail, who served as prime minister for 15 months, had previously been questioned by anti-graft officials regarding alleged misconduct and millions spent on government publicity. The anti-graft agency had also seized assets linked to him. Ismail has been released on bail, and his lawyer stated the charges are baseless. The case will next be heard on September 29.