Kuala lumpur: Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who was rushed to the National Heart Institute (IJN) after experiencing heart problems during questioning by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) yesterday, is scheduled to undergo a pacemaker procedure this afternoon.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, his lawyer, Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, stated that the procedure is expected to take place after Friday prayers, between 2 pm and 3 pm, and that the Bera MP is now fasting in preparation. Amer Hamzah expressed hope for a smooth procedure and a quick recovery for Ismail Sabri, who is currently under medical observation at IJN.
Court proceedings scheduled for this morning were postponed until August 27 following Ismail Sabri's admission to IJN. Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin deferred the reading of the charges and recording of his plea after Amer Hamzah requested an adjournment on health grounds. Amer Hamzah mentioned that there had been an initial proposal to read the charges at IJN, but the defense argued that this would be impractical due to the medical procedure and supervision required for Ismail Sabri.
The lawyer emphasized that Ismail Sabri's family was with him at the hospital and that his client remained determined to clear his name in relation to the MACC investigation. However, medical treatment was the immediate priority.
According to Amer Hamzah, Ismail Sabri became dizzy while giving his statement at MACC headquarters yesterday and was taken to IJN for further examination. He noted that MACC acted promptly to ensure the well-being of anyone under its supervision during an investigation. Ismail Sabri had been admitted to Pantai Hospital about two weeks earlier after a fall when his heart reportedly paused for about two seconds, and he was due for a follow-up examination next Monday.
The 66-year-old has previously been questioned several times over his asset declaration to MACC. The MACC seized RM170 million in cash in foreign currencies and 16 kilograms of pure gold bullion, valued at RM7 million, during investigations into corruption and money laundering. The seizures were carried out during raids on properties believed to have been used as safe houses, following the February 2025 arrests of four of Ismail Sabri's senior officers.