FORMER prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is set to face court tomorrow over an alleged offence involving the declaration of his assets, in a major escalation of a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation in which about RM177 million in cash and gold has been seized.
The Bera MP is expected to be charged under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009 at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court at 9am, his lawyer Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad confirmed today.
The proceedings are expected to bring the former prime minister directly before the criminal courts for the first time in connection with the probe.
The investigation centres on alleged corruption and money laundering involving Ismail Sabri and several of his former senior officers.
MACC previously seized about RM170 million in cash in various foreign currencies and 16kg of pure gold bullion worth approximately RM7 million during raids on residences and offices linked to the former prime minister and his senior aides in 2025.
Four of Ismail Sabri’s senior officers were arrested in February 2025 as part of the investigation.
The scale of the seizures has elevated the case into a major anti-graft investigation involving a former Malaysian premier.
However, the charge expected tomorrow relates specifically to the declaration of assets. It does not, in itself, amount to a charge of corruption or money laundering.
Ismail Sabri had been summoned by MACC several times to have his statement recorded over his asset declarations, with the anti-graft agency subsequently completing its investigation.
His court appearance was initially scheduled for Aug 7 but was postponed after he was hospitalised following health complications.
Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin subsequently fixed 9am on Aug 27 for the charge to be read and for Ismail Sabri’s plea to be recorded.
“Considering the accused’s health condition, and upon request by the defence counsel which has been agreed on by the prosecution, the court allows for this proceeding involving the reading of charges and recording of plea to be carried out at 9am on Aug 27,” she said when granting the postponement.
Amer Hamzah previously said Ismail Sabri experienced health complications while having his statement recorded at MACC headquarters on Aug 6.
He later underwent a leadless pacemaker implantation procedure to treat an abnormal heart rhythm.
Ismail Sabri remains under MACC bail, with his lawyer saying there are no concerns that he will abscond.
He served as Malaysia’s ninth prime minister from August 2021 to November 2022 and remains the MP for Bera.
His appearance in court tomorrow is expected to become a closely watched development in the MACC investigation, given the scale of the assets seized and the involvement of a former head of government. - August 26, 2026
