Ismail Sabri corruption case: Political analyst warns of Umno’s reputation risk

SHAH ALAM - Certain Umno members' criticism of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a corruption case should be moderated to prevent negative repercussions for the party.

Political analyst from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the decision to either defend or distance themselves from the former vice president could be shaped by the impact of his actions and decisions during his tenure as the ninth prime minister from August 2021 to November 2022.

"The party president, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has already stated his position and issued an official statement allowing the investigation to proceed.

"It would be best for all parties to adopt a more cautious approach and handle the matter rationally, as Ismail Sabri remains an Umno member and the Member of Parliament for Bera under Barisan Nasional (BN)," he told Sinar.

It was reported that an Umno leader backing Ismail Sabri criticised certain individuals within the party for attacking the former prime minister, arguing that such actions only harm Umno.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the leader said space should be given to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to conduct its investigation, rather than party members attempting to distance themselves from Ismail Sabri.

Sivamurugan

On March 2, the MACC revealed that approximately RM170 million in cash, in various foreign currencies, had been seized, along with 16 kilogrammes of gold bullion worth nearly RM7 million. These items were seized during inspections at several locations linked to the corruption and money laundering investigation involving Ismail Sabri.

Search operations were conducted at his residence and three other premises believed to have been used as safe houses following the arrest of four senior officials who served in his administration.

Following this, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki stated that the anti-graft agency had initiated an investigation paper early last year concerning the Keluarga Malaysia initiative, which involved RM700 million in government advertising and promotional funds.

Responding to this, Umno Secretary-General Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki denied any connection between the party and the case.

He stressed that Umno takes any attempts to link the party to the matter seriously and called for the investigation to be conducted transparently and fairly, without interference.