The Sessions Court today ordered the forfeiture of more than RM169 million in cash, allegedly belonging to former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, to the government.
Judge Suzana Hussin granted the prosecution’s application after neither Ismail Sabri nor his former political secretary, Datuk Mohammad Anuar Mohd Yunus, contested the forfeiture.
“The respondents have not objected, and no third-party claims have been filed. Therefore, the funds are forfeited to the government under Section 41(1) of the MACC Act,” Suzana said.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had filed the application on July 7, asserting that the seized cash — though held by Anuar — belonged to Ismail Sabri and was linked to offences under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act.
The sum includes RM14.7 million in local currency; S$6.13 million; US$1.46 million; CHF3 million; €12.16 million; ¥363 million; £50,250; NZ$44,600; AED34.75 million; and A$352,850.
Deputy public prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat told the court that the Federal Gazette notice was issued on Sept 22, inviting third parties to file claims, but none were submitted.
MACC earlier confirmed that assets linked to Ismail Sabri’s tenure as the ninth prime minister included cash in multiple foreign currencies and 16kg of gold seized during raids in March this year.
