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Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has become the latest former Malaysian prime minister to become embroiled in a graft scandal. Anti-graft enforcers have confirmed that the Umno leader is a suspect in the case. Over RM120 million in various currencies and gold bars were found in raids conducted at several locations.
Every premier since Najib Razak took power in 2009, at some point in their life, has been investigated, charged with or jailed for corruption.
The investigation into Mr Ismail’s case is among several scandals that have surfaced in Malaysia in recent weeks. The Employees Provident Fund, which is similar to Singapore’s Central Provident Fund, has come under scrutiny for allegedly incurring RM700million in “losses” when it sold shares in the state-controlled airport firm just months before taking it private, and buying them back at a higher price.
The country is also implicated in alleged chip smuggling, coming on the back of Singapore’s investigations into servers being moved from the Republic to Malaysia, but with unknown final destinations.
Separately, a journalist was remanded for four days after being accused of soliciting bribes in exchange for not publishing damaging stories about an immigration agent’s activities.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
Ex-PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob is a suspect in $212m graft case: Anti-corruption agency
This comes after authorities seized cash, jewellery and 16kg of gold bars from several locations.
Malaysia pension fund EPF scrutinised over up to $212m ‘losses’ in airport privatisation deal
The EPF sold 163 million MAHB shares at RM6.80 to RM7.70 apiece just months before buying them back at RM11 a share.
Data centre market shaken by Singapore’s chip smuggling probe
The Malaysian government vowed to take action if firms operating in the country are found to be involved.
Journalist arrested for allegedly soliciting, receiving $6,000 bribe
The anti-corruption agency chief denies that the journalist was arrested over a recent article exposing a migrant trafficking cartel.
The limits of Malaysia’s support for Gaza are showing
PM Anwar Ibrahim is right to want to rebuild Gaza. But to belt-tightening Malaysians, charity begins at home.
Chinese signage sparks war of words between MCA and DAP
The two rival parties rallied to position themselves as champions of the local Chinese community.
VEP applications slow as ‘most motorists’ from Singapore have obtained permits, tags
Some motorists have not applied for the permit due to a lack of enforcement by the Malaysian authorities.