Malaysian Anti-Graft Officials Target Former Prime Minister

Malaysian authorities named former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob as a suspect in a major corruption probe involving nearly $157 million in government funds, the latest in a series of high-profile corruption cases involving former leaders, the South China Morning Post reported.

On Monday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirmed that Ismail – who was previously treated as a witness – is now under investigation, with authorities set to question him on Wednesday.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the probe centers on alleged embezzlement related to the “Keluarga Malaysia” – or Malaysian Family – public relations campaign launched during Ismail Sabri’s tenure from August 2021 to November 2022.

The campaign, intended to promote national unity and economic recovery post-COVID-19, is now suspected of financial misconduct. Authorities have seized nearly $38 million in cash in multiple currencies, along with around 35 pounds of gold bars worth more than $1.5 million, in properties linked to the former prime minister, Channel News Asia added.

The MACC has also frozen 13 bank accounts totaling more than $440,000 and arrested four of Ismail’s former senior aides last month in connection with the case.

The former leader has not publicly commented on the allegations.

Critics have accused current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of using corruption investigations to target political opponents. Anwar, however, has denied allegations of selective prosecution, saying his government is committed to anti-corruption efforts regardless of suspects’ political affiliations.

The MACC has also insisted that the investigation is not politically motivated, but analysts noted that such high-profile cases often involve both legal and political elements, the Straits Times wrote.

The case adds to Malaysia’s ongoing battle with high-level corruption, following similar charges against former prime ministers Najib Razak and Muhyiddin Yassin.