The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) announced on Monday that former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri has been listed as a suspect in corruption investigations related to government spending amounting to 700 million Malaysian ringgit (157 million dollars) during his tenure from August 2021 to November 2022.

During a press conference, MACC Chief Azam Baki confirmed that Sabri will be questioned next Wednesday as part of the investigations into a campaign launched by his government. He noted that the former prime minister had previously disclosed his wealth in accordance with the investigation's requirements.

Baki explained that authorities seized approximately 170 million Malaysian ringgit (38.1 million dollars) in cash in various currencies, along with 16 kilograms of gold bars valued at around 7 million ringgit (1.57 million dollars), during raids on three locations near the capital, Kuala Lumpur, including a "safe house."

On February 23, the MACC detained four senior officials who had served in Sabri's administration, while Sabri himself underwent an initial questioning session on February 19. These investigations are being conducted under the MACC Act of 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act of 2001.

It is worth noting that Sabri served as Malaysia's ninth prime minister from August 2021 to November 2022, assuming office during a politically turbulent period following the resignation of his predecessor, Muhyiddin Yassin, due to a lack of consensus among political parties.