Ismail Sabri leaves court after son posts RM300,000 bail
KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has left the court complex after his son posted RM300,000 bail for him.
Former Malaysia Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob appeared in court on Thursday, denying allegations of failing to declare millions in local and foreign currencies, gold bars, and other assets. The 66-year-old faces charges under Section 36(2) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, stemming from a corruption and money-laundering investigation that began during his tenure.
The prosecution alleges Ismail Sabri failed to comply with an MACC notice requiring him to declare specified assets, valued at nearly US$40 million. If found guilty, the Bera constituency MP could face up to five years in prison and a fine of 100,000 ringgit (US$25,000). Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin set bail at 300,000 ringgit with one surety, rejecting the prosecution's request for a higher bail amount and passport surrender.
The defence argues the bail proposal is "manifestly excessive" and that confiscating his passport would be disproportionate. The case is set for a hearing on September 29. The prosecution's actions have raised questions, with the defence team claiming it is "unprecedented" and potentially a concession not to prosecute. This marks the second high-profile ex-leader facing charges since Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took office in 2022, with former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin previously charged with corruption and money laundering.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
