Amer added that Ismail had been at MACC headquarters on Thursday to have his statement recorded and was accompanied by lawyer Ragunath Kesavan.
“He did experience health issues that have been informed to the relevant MACC officers. They were aware of his condition in the recording of the statement and from there, he had to be rushed to IJN,” Amer said, as quoted by Malay Mail.
Amer added that Ismail remained under MACC bail and there is no issue of him absconding.
Deputy public prosecutor Farah Ezlin Yusof Khan said “it was only fair on humanitarian grounds” for the prosecution not to object to the postponement since Ismail would not be able to appear in court due to his health condition.
Amer also told reporters that “it is not practical for the charge to be read out at IJN” due to his client’s health condition. Local media had previously widely reported that the former prime minister may be charged at the hospital.
In March 2025, Ismail was named a suspect in an ongoing corruption probe involving RM700 million (US$171 million) in government funds.
The RM700 million was allegedly spent as part of his administration’s “Keluarga Malaysia” promotional campaign. “Keluarga Malaysia”, which means “Malaysian family”, was an idea Ismail introduced in his inaugural speech as premier.
MACC then said it had seized about RM170 million in cash and other currencies as well as 16kg of gold bars valued at RM7 million, jewellery and luxury watches from premises believed to be used as “safe houses”.
Four of Ismail’s former officers were also arrested in connection with the investigation.
He is the third former prime minister to face a corruption investigation, after Najib Razak and Muhyiddin Yassin. Ismail is also the country’s shortest-serving prime minister.
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