Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) ahead of his scheduled court appearance today, with proceedings now likely to take place at the hospital instead.
The Bera MP was initially scheduled to appear before Sessions Court Judge Suzana Hussin at 9am to face charges under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act.
However, his lawyer Ragunath Kesavan confirmed that Ismail Sabri had been admitted to IJN.
Court proceedings may move to IJN
Sources familiar with the case said the prosecution team is expected to first appear at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court before heading to IJN.
One source said the decision on whether the charge will be read at the hospital depends on Ismail Sabri’s medical condition and the advice of his doctors.
The source added that prosecutors would first need to apply for the proceedings to be held at IJN, with the final decision resting with the court.
Since early this morning, members of the media have gathered at both the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex and outside IJN as they await further developments.
Case believed linked to asset declaration probe
According to reports, the case is believed to be related to Ismail Sabri’s asset declaration.
He had previously been questioned several times by the MACC as part of its investigation.
Earlier this year, the anti-graft agency also seized RM170 million in cash in various foreign currencies and 16kg of gold bullion worth about RM7 million during raids linked to the investigation.
