KUALA LUMPUR – About 50 supporters of former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob gather outside the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court as early as 7am today to show their support for the Bera Member of Parliament, who is expected to face graft charges.
The supporters were seen gathering outside the court complex ahead of proceedings scheduled for 9am, where Ismail Sabri is expected to be charged under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act.
Among them was a woman who only wanted to be known as Liza, 42, who travelled from Bera, Ismail Sabri’s constituency, to Kuala Lumpur.
The housewife said she left Bera at about 4am and arrived at the court complex at about 7am, travelling with other supporters in two buses.
She said the journey from Bera was made in the early hours of the morning so the group could arrive at the court before the proceedings began.
“We left at about 4am. It was a long journey, but we wanted to be here early to show that we stand behind him.
“He is our MP and I felt that it was important for us to be here for him,” she said.
Previously, the Sessions Court here had postponed proceedings involving the former prime minister.
Sessions Court Judge Suzana Hussin then fixed today for the reading of the charges and recording of Ismail Sabri's plea, which was scheduled to take place at 9am.
Defence counsel Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad had previously recorded the defence team's appreciation to the prosecution team for understanding their client's situation.
He said Ismail Sabri had already experienced health complications when his statement was recorded at the MACC headquarters on Aug 6.
He added that Ismail Sabri was still under MACC bail and that there were no concerns about him absconding.
Ismail Sabri had since successfully undergone a leadless pacemaker implantation procedure at the National Heart Institute (IJN) for an abnormal heart rhythm.
Deputy public prosecutor Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan said the prosecution did not object to the application for postponement as Ismail Sabri's health did not warrant his presence in court. – THE STAR