Ismail Sabri’s lawyers mull challenge to charge over undeclared assets

Defence counsel Amer Hamzah Arshad disclosed that his team intends to investigate the prosecution's decision to charge his client, former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. Addressing journalists at a press conference, Arshad stated that his team had informed the court about their concerns regarding the propriety and legality of the charge.

Ismail Sabri is currently on trial at Kuala Lumpur sessions court for failing to comply with a request from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to declare his assets. He faces charges under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act for allegedly failing to declare various forms of money and precious metals. The undeclared assets, totaling approximately RM62.9 million, include RM14.77 million, S$6.1 million, US$1.46 million, and other amounts in different currencies.

According to Arshad, the prosecution had previously affirmed in an affidavit that no prosecution would be taken against the items seized by the anti-graft agency. However, deputy public prosecutor Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan later clarified that the decision to bring charges lies solely with the public prosecutor. She emphasized that there was no malicious intent behind the charge against Ismail.

Arshad also noted that the prosecution had applied to the MACC for the forfeiture of assets related to the charge, which is typically a sign that the prosecution intends not to proceed with the case. His legal team will now examine the prosecution's change of heart to determine if there is a basis for challenging the charge.