THE Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur has issued a third-party notice to inform any individuals or entities with a legal interest in assets totalling RM169 million—allegedly linked to former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob—to come forward before the government moves to seize the funds permanently.
Judge Suzana Hussin granted the third-party notice under Section 41(2) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 after being informed that Ismail Sabri and his former political secretary, Datuk Mohammad Anuar Mohd Yunus, would not be contesting the forfeiture application.
In the matter brought by the MACC, prosecutors are seeking a court order to forfeit the seized funds to the Government of Malaysia. The funds were confiscated from Mohammad Anuar and are alleged to be the property of Ismail Sabri, suspected to be connected to an offence under Section 36(2) of the same Act.
The assets sought for forfeiture include RM14,772,150 in Malaysian Ringgit; SG$6,132,350; US$1,461,400; CHF3 million (Swiss Francs); EUR12,164,150; JPY363 million (Japanese Yen); GBP£50,250; NZ$44,600; AED34,750,000 (Emirati Dirham); and AUD352,850.
"I allow the issuance of a third-party notice should there be any third party with interest in the listed assets," said Judge Suzana. "The trial date for third-party claims remains set for 1 October."
A third-party notice is a legal mechanism by which the court formally invites any parties who believe they have rightful ownership or interest in the seized assets to appear and present their case as to why the assets should not be forfeited to the state.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat told the court that on 28 August, both respondents had submitted a letter via their legal representatives stating they had no intention to challenge the government's forfeiture application.
“They also stated that they would not be attending the court on the mentioned date,” he said. “I request the court to verify the contents of the letter with both respondents.”
Defence counsel Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad confirmed that his clients had submitted a representation to the Public Prosecutor on 22 August and subsequently followed up with the 28 August letter, reiterating their decision not to oppose the application.
In light of this, Mahadi urged the court to expedite the third-party notice process. - Sept 9, 2025
