Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Charged Over Asset Declaration
Ismail Sabri Yaakob, a former leader of Malaysia, has been accused of not fully reporting his belongings and money.
He told the court that he did not do what prosecutors accused him of doing.
The accusation concerns a notice from Malaysia's anti-corruption agency in January 2025.
The listed assets include cash in several currencies, gold, and silver.
If found guilty, he could go to prison for up to five years.
He could also be fined up to 100,000 ringgit.
Investigators previously questioned him about government publicity spending.
Ismail is the third former Malaysian prime minister to face criminal charges after leaving office.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob pleaded not guilty to failing to declare his assets.
The charge alleges he did not provide a complete declaration after an anti-corruption notice in January 2025.
The listed assets include Malaysian and foreign currency, gold, and silver.
If convicted, Ismail could receive up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 ringgit.
Ismail is the third former Malaysian leader to face criminal charges after leaving office.
- Who
- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
- What
- He was charged with failing to make a complete asset declaration and pleaded not guilty.
- When
- The charge was filed Thursday; the asset-declaration notice was issued in January 2025.
- Where
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Why
- The charge alleges that Ismail failed to provide a complete declaration of his assets after receiving an anti-corruption notice.
- Defendant
- Ismail Sabri Yaakob, 66
- Former office
- Malaysia's ninth prime minister
- Time in office
- August 2021 to November 2022, or 15 months
- Charge
- Failing to provide a complete declaration of assets under the anti-graft law
- Potential penalty
- Up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to 100,000 ringgit ($24,810)
- Investigative seizures
- Gold bars and some $40 million in cash were seized from properties linked to him
- Broader significance
- Ismail is the third former Malaysian prime minister to face criminal charges after leaving office