Former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob declared his wealth to Malaysia’s anti-graft agency as part of a corruption investigation involving nearly $40 million in seized assets. The probe focuses on government publicity spending during his tenure from August 2021 to November 2022. Four senior officials under his administration have been detained, and significant cash and gold bars were seized during the investigation.
Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, recently declared his assets to the anti-corruption authorities amid a significant investigation into corruption and money laundering. This move follows the seizure of nearly $40 million in assets alleged to be connected to him, as stated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The inquiry is primarily focused on government expenditure for publicity and procurement during his time in office from August 2021 to November 2022.
In a statement released by the anti-graft agency, it was revealed that Ismail Sabri was formally required to submit a wealth declaration on February 10. Subsequently, on February 19, the former Prime Minister provided his official testimony to the agency and may be called back for further questioning. The investigation has previously involved questioning Ismail Sabri regarding approximately 700 million ringgit (about $157 million) that was allocated for government publicity during his administration.
Additionally, the MACC has detained four senior officials who served under Ismail Sabri and has conducted raids at four different locations. These operations resulted in the seizure of significant assets, including cash totaling 170 million ringgit in various currencies and 16 kilograms of gold bars. The agency has not disclosed further details regarding these findings, emphasizing the ongoing nature of their investigation.
The investigation into former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob centers on substantial allegations of corruption linked to government publicity expenditures during his administration. His recent declaration of wealth and the ongoing inquiries signify a serious effort by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to address potential misconduct. The detainment of senior officials and the seizure of assets further underline the scope of the investigation into these financial dealings.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
