The Attorney General’s Chambers has not yet determined whether to prosecute former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob or any other individuals in connection with the forfeiture of over RM169 million in cash seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki announced on Tuesday, September 8, that the investigation into the case is complete, and the decision on whether to file charges rests with the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP). “Our investigation is concluded, and we will leave it to the DPP to decide whether to charge anyone,” Azam told reporters at MACC headquarters. He added that, following Ismail Sabri and his former political secretary, Mohammad Anuar Mohd Yunus, opting not to contest the forfeiture, the process to transfer the funds to the government’s coffers began immediately.
Court Proceedings and Forfeiture Process
On Monday, September 8, MACC Deputy Public Prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat informed the Sessions Court in Putrajaya that Ismail Sabri and Mohammad Anuar would not challenge the prosecution’s application to forfeit the seized cash, amounting to more than RM169 million. Mahadi relayed to Judge Suzana Hussin that both respondents, through their legal counsel, submitted a letter dated August 28 confirming their stance.
“We are requesting a third-party gazette under Section 41(2) of the MACC Act 2009 to be issued for this application. We will work to expedite the process,” Mahadi stated. Judge Suzana granted the prosecution’s request to publish a notice for third parties with an interest in the funds and scheduled the next case mention for October 1.
Lawyer Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, representing Ismail Sabri and Mohammad Anuar, confirmed the contents of the August 28 letter and requested that both respondents be excused from attending the proceedings, a request unopposed by the prosecution.
Details of the Seizure
The MACC’s forfeiture application, filed on July 7 under Section 41(1) of the MACC Act 2009, targets cash allegedly belonging to Ismail Sabri, held by Mohammad Anuar. The seized funds include RM14.77 million in Malaysian Ringgit, SGD6.13 million in Singapore Dollars, USD1.46 million in US Dollars, CHF3 million in Swiss Francs, EUR12.16 million in Euros, JPY363 million in Japanese Yen, GBP50,250 in British Pounds, NZD44,600 in New Zealand Dollars, AED34.75 million in Emirati Dirham, and AUD352,850 in Australian Dollars. The commission determined that the money was linked to an offence under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act.
In addition to the cash, the MACC seized 16kg of gold bars valued at approximately RM7 million as part of a broader corruption and money laundering investigation involving Ismail Sabri, the Member of Parliament for Bera. The seizures followed raids on residences and offices used as “safe houses,” linked to the detention of four of Ismail Sabri’s senior aides in February. The MACC also summoned Ismail Sabri multiple times to provide statements regarding his asset declarations.
