THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will soon file a forfeiture application involving RM170 million in assets linked to a corruption and money laundering investigation into former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that investigations into the case had been completed, and the matter was now in the hands of the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP).
“This case is complete and in the hands of the DPP. I have been informed that the DPP has agreed to file, within about two weeks, a forfeiture application involving the RM170 million that I had previously revealed,” he said at a press conference at MACC headquarters on Wednesday.
“It is up to Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri if he wishes to challenge our application,” Azam added.
Asked whether criminal charges would follow, Azam said that no decision had been made yet by the prosecutors.
“Regarding possible criminal charges, nothing has been decided. We are waiting for the DPP,” he said.
On when the Bera MP might be formally charged, Azam estimated that the next stage could take up to two months.
“I believe the DPP will decide within a month or two. I have asked that they not delay too long, as this is a matter of public interest,” he said.
Ismail Sabri has so far been called in seven times to assist in the investigation, which centres on alleged irregularities in the management of funds allocated for the Keluarga Malaysia publicity and promotion programme during his tenure as Malaysia’s ninth prime minister from August 2021 to November 2022.
The case is being investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
On 3 March, Azam confirmed that Ismail Sabri was a suspect in the investigation, following the seizure of approximately RM170 million in cash in various currencies and 16 kilogrammes of gold bars from a “safe house” during an MACC operation. - June 25, 2025
