KUALA LUMPUR — The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court has postponed the formal reading of corruption charges against former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to August 27, after he was admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) due to health complications.
The court appearance was scheduled for today, August 7. However, because Ismail Sabri is currently receiving medical treatment at IJN, court proceedings could not take place to read out the prosecution’s charges or record his statement.
Health Complications and Emergency Admission
According to lead defense counsel Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, Ismail Sabri is scheduled to undergo a procedure today to fit a pacemaker to regulate his heart rhythm.
Elaborating on his medical history, Amer Hamzah noted that Ismail Sabri had pre-existing health conditions and had previously been admitted to Pantai Hospital two weeks ago following a fall. While he was originally scheduled for a follow-up check-up at IJN next Monday, his condition necessitated urgent medical intervention yesterday morning after MACC officers recorded his statement at their headquarters.
Background of the Investigation
Following the defense’s request and explanation of his medical status, the Sessions Court agreed to adjourn proceedings to August 27.
The case stems from ongoing anti-graft investigations into asset declarations. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had previously summoned the former prime minister multiple times to record statements regarding his assets.
During earlier phases of the probe, the MACC seized RM170 million in foreign currency cash and 16 kilograms of gold bars valued at approximately RM7 million. Additionally, four senior officers connected to Ismail Sabri were arrested in February last year.
