Ismail Sabri Identified as Suspect in Corruption Probe

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been officially named a suspect in an ongoing corruption investigation involving approximately RM700 million (about $156 million) in government funds. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) revealed that significant amounts of cash, totaling nearly RM170 million, and 16 kilograms of gold bars worth around RM7 million have been seized from various locations linked to him. The investigation is centered on government publicity expenditures related to his 'Keluarga Malaysia' initiative, aimed at promoting collective prosperity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Azam Baki, the MACC Chief Commissioner, confirmed that Ismail Sabri will be summoned for questioning and has been instructed to provide detailed asset declarations. His case marks a continuation of corruption scrutiny in Malaysia, following similar probes into previous leaders. The MACC has also frozen 13 bank accounts associated with the former prime minister as part of the investigation.