The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has publicly announced that they have questioned former prime minister, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, regarding the alleged misuse of RM700 million. These funds, originally earmarked for publicity and promotional purposes under the previous government, have come under scrutiny.
Critics questioned the large sums allocated to the Keluarga Malaysia (Family Malaysia) program. Launched by Ismail Sabri in August 2021, the initiative aimed to alleviate economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the program faced heavy public backlash regarding the perceived unnecessary use of public funds. This public disquiet eventually led to the investigation by MACC.
As part of its wider net, MACC has launched inquiries into the assets of other officials close to the ex-PM. In February 2023, investigations were begun on the assets of former finance minister, Tun Abdul Daim bin Zainuddin, both within Malaysia and internationally. Accused of money laundering and power abuse under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, 2001 combined with the MACC Act, 2009, Zainuddin counters these allegations by labeling them as “witch hunts.”
Zainuddin, along with his wife and children, were asked to testify regarding “high-value assets” registered under their company name. This probe was triggered by the exposure of their assets in the widely-publicizedPandora Papers.
As the ninth prime minister of Malaysia, Ismail Sabri served from 2021 to 2022. However, due to his party’s weakening alliance with others and rising criticism against his government, Sabri called for an early election in 2022.