Ismail Sabri Yaakob is an important figure in the Malaysian political landscape, especially after being appointed as the 9th Prime Minister on 21 August 2021.
Known as a firm and experienced leader, Ismail Sabri played a key role in steering Malaysia through major challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery.
For this article, we will take you closer to the well-known individual, Ismail Sabri.
Name: Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Nickname: Ismail Sabri, Dato’ Ismail Sabri
Date of Birth: 18 January 1960
Place of Birth: Temerloh, Pahang
Education:
- Bangau National School (1967)
- Air Putih Secondary School (1973)
- Kuantan Technical Secondary School (1967)
- Academic Achievement (Form 6)
- University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Bachelor of Laws (Hons) (LLB)
Occupation: Politician
Social Media Accounts
- Instagram @ismailsabri60
Facebook @ismailsabri60
TikTok @ismailsabrirasmi
X @IsmailSabri60
Personal Life
Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri is the youngest child in the family. He has six siblings and is nicknamed “Paksu” in the family. smail Sabri is married to Datin Seri Muhaini Zainal Abidin. As a result of their marriage, the couple is blessed with four children, namely Nina Sabrina, Gadaffi (Dafi), Nashriq and Iqbal.
Political & Professional Career
Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob began his career as a lawyer in 1985 at the age of 25. Two years later, he was appointed as a Temerloh District Councillor in 1987 and subsequently became a Temerloh Municipal Councillor in 1996.
In 1995, he was appointed as the Political Secretary to the Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Datuk Sabbaruddin Chik. In the same year, he also held the position of a Board Member of the Pahang Southeast Authority (DARA) and a Member of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board.
Before joining Parliament in 2004, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri served as the Chairman of the National Sports Complex. In terms of involvement in politics, he began his active involvement in UMNO by being appointed as a Temerloh Division UMNO Committee Member in 1987. A year later, he was appointed as the Temerloh Division UMNO Information Chief. His credibility and leadership were further recognised when he was elected as the Divisional UMNO Youth Movement Chief in 1993, Deputy Divisional Chief in 2001, and finally appointed as the Temerloh Divisional UMNO Chief in 2004 at the age of 44.
In the 2004 General Election, he was successfully elected as the first Member of Parliament for the new Bera constituency. His success continued in the 2008 election, where he again won the seat and was appointed as the Minister of Youth and Sports in Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s cabinet for the period 2008-2009.
In April 2009, under the leadership of Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Razak, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri was appointed as the Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism, a position he held until 2013. After defending his seat in the 2013 General Election, he was given new responsibilities as the Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry from 2013 to 2015, before changing portfolios to become the Minister of Rural and Regional Development from 2015 to 2018.
In March 2020, under the administration of the 8th Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, he was appointed as Malaysia’s Senior Minister for the Security Cluster and Minister of Defence. In July 2021, he was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, while retaining the position of Minister of Defence.
On 21 August 2021, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri was sworn in as the 9th Prime Minister of Malaysia. His appointment followed the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Member of Parliament for Pagoh and President of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU), on 16 August 2021 after failing to secure the support of a majority of members of Parliament.
Ismail Sabri’s Contribution to the Nation
Introducing the Concept of ‘Malaysian Family’
Announced on 22 August 2021 in his inaugural speech as Prime Minister.
Aims to unite Malaysians regardless of religion, ethnicity, and race.
Promotes a spirit of togetherness among the people.
Centered on three main thrusts – Inclusion, Togetherness, and Gratitude. Supported by 20 values to strengthen the country’s leadership post-Covid-19 pandemic.
Upholding Bahasa Malaysia at the International Level
Emphasizes the importance of Bahasa Malaysia as an official language.
Proposes Bahasa Malaysia as the second official language of ASEAN along with English.
On 24 September 2022, became the first Malaysian Prime Minister to deliver a speech in Bahasa Malaysia at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Dissolves Parliament to Pave the Way for GE15
On 10 October 2022, announces the dissolution of Parliament to allow the people to elect a new government.
4. Retaining Bera’s Parliamentary Seat in GE15
Obtaining 31,762 votes with a majority of 16,695. Ensuring the continuity of his leadership in Parliament.
Role in Post-GE15 Government Formation
The Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition he led won 30 seats in GE15.
Since no coalition obtained a simple majority, BN accepted an invitation to work with Pakatan Harapan.
BN became part of the unity government led by the 10th Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Ismail Sabri Investigated by MACC – Case Chronology
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is conducting an investigation into former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, in connection with corruption and money laundering cases.
The following is the chronology of the case:
December 11, 2024: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) ordered Ismail Sabri to declare his assets under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009.
February 10, 2025: Ismail Sabri officially submitted his assets declaration to the MACC.
February 19, 2025: He appeared at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to give his statement regarding the ongoing investigation.
February 21, 2025: Four senior officers who had served under Ismail Sabri were detained by the MACC in connection with a corruption investigation involving a contract to promote the “Malaysian Family” concept.
February 10, 2025: The MACC conducted searches at a condominium and three other locations, finding about RM170 million worth of cash in various foreign currencies as well as 16 kilograms of pure gold bars worth RM7 million.
3 March 2025: MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that Ismail Sabri is a suspect in this case and will be called back to provide further evidence on 5 March 2025 (Wednesday), depending on his health. He also stressed that the investigation is being conducted professionally and independently, without instructions from any party or political motives.
This investigation focuses on the expenditure and acquisition of funds for promotional and publicity purposes while he was leading the country, with the value of the project estimated at around RM700 million.
To date, MACC has recorded the statements of 31 individuals and frozen 13 bank accounts worth approximately RM2 million. Ismail Sabri’s account has not been frozen, and the investigation into the account is ongoing.
MACC stressed that the investigation is being conducted independently, professionally, and in accordance with the law in force.
Interesting Facts About Ismail Sabri
- Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri’s tenure as Prime Minister for 15 months and as Deputy Prime Minister for 40 days is the shortest when compared to all former Prime Ministers and Deputy Prime Ministers of Malaysia.
- He owns more than 20 cats as a result of his efforts to rescue street cats to keep at home.
- He has known his wife since he was 19 years old.
- He is the only Prime Minister of Malaysia who is not from a major party in the coalition government but was only a Vice President of UMNO when appointed.
- Before being appointed as Prime Minister, he was the Leader of the Opposition in the Malaysian Parliament from March 2019 to February 2020.
- Compared to other leaders such as Anwar Ibrahim and Najib Razak who often steal the spotlight, Ismail Sabri is better known as a low-profile leader before being appointed as Prime Minister.
- His son, Dafi (real name Gaddafi Ismail Sabri), is a singer and former participant of Akademi Fantasia season 5.
- Another child, Nina Sabrina, is the founder of the famous fashion brand “Sasha Rowena”.
- He is among the Malaysian leaders who actively use social media such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to communicate with the people.
In conclusion, Ismail Sabri is an interesting political figure with various achievements and controversies. Now, he is facing an investigation by the MACC regarding corruption and money laundering issues that are currently of concern to Malaysians.