By Rahmat Khairulrijal | New Straits Times
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.
