Malaysia’s Former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Declares Wealth Amid Probes
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob declared his wealth to authorities amid a corruption and money laundering investigation. This follows a $40 million asset seizure linked to him. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is probing government spending during his tenure, with several officials detained and significant cash and gold seized.
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, has officially declared his wealth to the authorities amid an ongoing investigation into corruption and money laundering. This development follows the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s seizure of nearly $40 million in assets that are purportedly associated with him.
The investigation by the anti-graft agency is concentrated on government spending on publicity and procurement during Ismail Sabri’s tenure from August 2021 to November 2022. A representative for Ismail Sabri has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the investigation.
As part of the inquiry into alleged financial misconduct involving approximately 700 million ringgit ($157 million) allocated for government publicity during his administration, anti-graft investigators had previously questioned Ismail Sabri in January of last year. On February 10, he submitted a formal wealth declaration to the authorities following a request from the agency, which recorded a statement from him on February 19. Ismail Sabri may need to return for further questioning.
In addition to the former premier’s declarations, four senior officials who served under him have been detained, with searches conducted at four locations. The agency not only confiscated substantial cash totaling 170 million ringgit in various currencies, but also 16 kilograms of gold bars, although further specifics have not been disclosed.
In summary, former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has declared his wealth as part of an ongoing anticorruption investigation, which has already led to significant asset seizures and the detention of senior officials. The investigation centers on substantial government expenditures during his administration, emphasizing accountability in public financial management. As proceedings continue, Ismail Sabri’s circumstances may evolve, potentially affecting his legal and political status.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
