Malaysia’s Former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Charged Over Undeclared Assets Amid Money Laundering Probe
Malaysia’s former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob was charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on 27 August 2026 with failing to declare specified assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). He pleaded not guilty before Judge Suzana Hussin.
The charge was brought under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009. Prosecutors allege that Ismail Sabri intentionally submitted a written statement that did not comply with an MACC notice dated 7 January 2025 and served on him on 10 January. The alleged offence occurred at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on 7 February 2025.
Cash in multiple currencies and gold listed in charge
According to the charge reported by Malaysia’s national news agency Bernama, the assets allegedly not declared include RM14,772,150, S$6,132,350, US$1,461,400, CHF3 million, €12,164,150, ¥363 million, £50,250, NZ$44,600, AED34.75 million and A$352,850, together with five Suisse Fine Gold bars.
Section 36(2) carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to RM100,000 upon conviction.
Charge follows broader corruption and money laundering investigation
The asset-declaration charge is a distinct offence and is not itself a money laundering charge. However, it arises against the background of a wider MACC investigation involving alleged corruption and money laundering. Authorities previously seized about RM170 million in cash in multiple foreign currencies and confiscated 16kg of pure gold bars valued at approximately RM7 million during searches of residences and an office described in reporting as suspected “safe houses”. The searches followed investigations involving four of Ismail Sabri’s former senior officers.
The latest court appearance marks a new procedural stage after the original 7 August charging date was postponed for health reasons. Ismail Sabri denies the charge and remains presumed innocent unless and until convicted.
