Malaysia s ex PM Ismail declares wealth to anti graft agency amid seizure of assets

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysias former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has declared his wealth to the authorities as part of an ongoing corruption and money laundering probe, the anti-graft agency said on March 2, following the seizure of nearly US$40 million (S$54 million) in assets allegedly linked to him.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said its investigation is focused on government publicity expenditure and procurement during the premiership of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri, who served as premier from August 2021 to November 2022.

A representative for Mr Ismail Sabri did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Anti-graft investigators questioned Mr Ismail Sabri in January 2024 as part of a probe into possible misconduct involving some RM700 million (S$212 million) spent on government publicity during his administration.

In a statement on March 2, the anti-graft agency said Mr Ismail Sabri formally submitted a wealth declaration to the authorities on Feb 10 after being ordered to do so.

The agency said it had recorded a statement from the former premier on Feb 19, adding that he could be called back for further questioning.

The authorities have also detained four senior officials who served under Mr Ismail Sabri, and conducted raids at four premises, the agency said.

Cash amounting to RM170 million in various currencies and 16kg of gold bars were seized following the raids, the agency added, without providing further details. REUTERS

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