Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been charged with concealing assets including cash and precious metals, marking the third former premier to face graft-related prosecution in recent years.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob appeared in court on Thursday to face charges related to the failure to declare assets, according to Ada Derana. The charge stems from an investigation into alleged graft and money laundering activities. Ismail Sabri, who served as prime minister for approximately 15 months between 2021 and 2022 during a period of significant political instability, has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

The assets in question reportedly include both local and foreign currencies as well as gold bars and silver. According to the anti-graft agency, approximately 170 million ringgit in various currencies and 16 kilograms of gold bars were seized during raids linked to the investigation. The agency had also recovered nearly $40 million in assets allegedly connected to Ismail Sabri earlier in the investigation.

Ismail Sabri's legal team, represented by defence counsel Amer Hamzah Arshad, characterized the charge as essentially a failure to comply with a formal notice to declare certain assets. The defence indicated they have concerns regarding the propriety and legality of the charge but did not elaborate publicly on these objections. The former prime minister was released on bail of 300,000 ringgit ($74,534) following his court appearance.

If convicted, Ismail Sabri faces potential imprisonment of up to five years and a fine not exceeding 100,000 ringgit. This case represents the third prosecution of a former Malaysian prime minister on graft-related charges in recent years, reflecting an intensified focus on accountability within the country's political leadership.