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RM169m forfeiture case tied to Ismail Sabri set for hearing in October

RM169m forfeiture case tied to Ismail Sabri set for hearing in October

KUALA LUMPUR: The RM169 million forfeiture proceedings linked to former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob are scheduled to be heard at the Sessions Court this October.
Judge Suzana Hussin fixed the date after lawyers representing Ismail and his former political secretary, Anuar Yunus, told the court that they would challenge the application filed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) earlier this month.
Lawyer Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad said the respondents have requested three weeks to file their affidavits.
The deputy public prosecutor (DPP) is expected to respond by Sept 3, he added.
"The court has fixed Oct 1 for hearing, during which further instructions will be given regarding the filing of written submissions," he said via WhatsApp.
Ismail was also represented by lawyers Ragunath Kesavan and Jason Anthony, while DPPs Ifa Sirrhu Samsudin and Alis Izzati Aumin Mohd Rusdi represented the government.
The application was made under Section 41(1) of the MACC Act after the commission was satisfied that the funds were owned by Ismail Sabri but kept by Anuar.
The funds, the commission said, was linked to an offence under Section 36(2) of the act.
The funds that MACC is seeking to forfeit, which were earlier seized from Anuar, comprise RM14,772,150; S$6,132,350; US$1,461,400; three million Swiss Francs; €12,164,150; ¥363 million; £50,250; NZ$44,600; 34.75 million dirham and A$352,850.
MACC is also asking for the declaration of other orders deemed fit by the court.
On July 3, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the assets, which have already been seized, would be forfeited to the government if the court rules in its favour.
Azam had said if Ismail Sabri, the Bera member of parliament, chooses to contest the forfeiture, the case would proceed to trial.
On June 25, it was reported that MACC was planning to forfeit RM177 million in cash and assets linked to a probe into alleged corruption and money laundering involving Ismail Sabri.
In March, MACC seized about RM170 million in cash, held in various foreign currencies, along with 16kg of gold bullion worth around RM7 million, following investigations into the case.
MACC confirmed that the operation involved raids at multiple locations, including residences and three other premises believed to be used as "safehouses" following the arrests of four senior officers who served under Ismail during his tenure as the ninth prime minister.
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RM200 per passport: Border officers arrested over 'flying passport' racket
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New Straits Times

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  • New Straits Times

RM200 per passport: Border officers arrested over 'flying passport' racket

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This family self-deported to Mexico, and lost everything

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Rafizi's damning warning, 'Datuk Seri' titleship invites Farhash's public scrutiny, may expedite MACC intervention
Rafizi's damning warning, 'Datuk Seri' titleship invites Farhash's public scrutiny, may expedite MACC intervention

Focus Malaysia

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  • Focus Malaysia

Rafizi's damning warning, 'Datuk Seri' titleship invites Farhash's public scrutiny, may expedite MACC intervention

FIRST, it was former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli urging the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to open an investigation into Datuk Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak—the former political aide to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim—over allegations linked to a mineral exploration license in Sabah. Then later yesterday (July 25), news broke out that the high-flying corporate figure would be conferred a 'Datuk Seri' title today (July 26) in conjunction with the 84th birthday of Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib. For the record, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz heads the list of 1,530 recipients of state awards, honours, and medals, which also include Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Penang Malay Association president Tan Sri Dr Yussoff Latiff, and national badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei. Instead of being a recognition, the award spotlight on Farhash, the ex-PKR Perak chief, will likely fuel more public scrutiny, not to mention distrust of Anwar's much-shouted anti-corruption drive. Such is the message conveyed by Rafizi in a media statement, which called on Anwar to swiftly address the growing controversy surrounding Farhash, for failure to do so could undermine public trust in the government's reform agenda. 'The information revealed so far is sufficient for the MACC to open an investigation paper on Farhash, just as it has done for other figures accused of sudden wealth accumulation,' revealed the Pandan MP. Evidence of his meteoric rise: Farhash currently holds directorships in four other public-listed companies, namely MMAG Holdings Bhd, Apex Equity Holdings Bhd, Excel Force MSC Bhd, and Key Alliance Group Bhd. In April, Farhash became a substantial shareholder in Key Alliance with his purchase of 6.8 million shares in the open market. He owns a 5.546% interest now. On May 30, convenience store chain operator 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Bhd announced that Farhash, who was appointed chairman on Jan 3, 2023, has resigned from his post to pursue other business interests. Farhash previously served as Anwar's political secretary and was also the Perak PKR chief. Local media recently reported that Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd, the state's mineral licensing agency, had awarded Bumi Suria — a company linked to Farhash — an exploration license for coal mining. According to the report, the company was granted exclusive rights to explore and search for minerals across 70,000 hectares in the Kalabakan and Gunung Rara forest reserves near the Kalimantan border. Farhash has denied the report and is demanding a public apology. This is not the first time he has been linked to controversial business dealings. In March last year, he emerged as a substantial shareholder in HeiTech Padu Bhd shortly before the company secured a RM190 million contract from the Road Transport Department. — July 26, 2025

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