KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has lost ownership of more than RM169 million in cash after the Sessions Court today ruled the funds be forfeited to the government under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act.
Judge Suzana Hussin made the order after MACC deputy public prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat informed the court that no third parties had come forward to claim the assets.
“The respondents (Ismail Sabri and his former political secretary Mohammad Anuar) did not file any objection to this application, a fact which the Court had recorded on a previous date (Sept 8).
“The Court finds that no claims have been made by any third parties in relation to these assets. Therefore, the Court allows the applicant’s request for the listed assets to be forfeited to the Government of Malaysia under Section 41(1) of the MACC Act 2009,” Suzana was quoted by Bernama
The court had earlier issued a third-party notification via a Federal Government Gazette notice on Sept 22, giving opportunity for any parties with a legal interest in the funds to make a claim, but none were received.
Mahadi, in his submission, reiterated that both respondents had formally confirmed through a letter dated August 28 that they did not intend to oppose the MACC’s application.
“Accordingly, we hereby apply for the assets listed in the application notice, with a total value exceeding RM169 million, to be forfeited to the Government under Section 41(1) of the MACC Act 2009,” Mahadi told the court, which was also attended by Ismail Sabri and Mohammad Anuar’s counsels, K Ragunath and Joshua Tay, respectively.
The funds seized comprised multiple foreign currencies, including RM14.7 million, SGD6.1 million, USD1.46 million, CHF3 million (Swiss Francs), EUR12.1 million, JPY363 million, GBP50,250, NZD44,600, AED34.7 million (Emirati Dirham), and AUD352,850.
The forfeiture application stemmed from a wider MACC probe into corruption and money laundering involving the Bera MP’s aides. In July, the commission applied to seize the funds, which were discovered to be held by Mohammad Anuar but deemed to be the property of Ismail Sabri.
MACC investigations also revealed the confiscation of 16 kilograms of pure gold bullion worth an estimated RM7 million, in addition to the cash, following raids at a residence and office used as a “safe house.” The seizures came after four senior aides of Ismail Sabri were arrested in February. – October 1, 2025