Ismail Sabri graft probe: Jovian Mandagie to be questioned, says MACC

THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will be recording a statement from fashion entrepreneur Datuk Jovian Mandagie, the former son-in-law of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, as part of its ongoing investigation into a high-profile corruption case.

MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that Jovian, who is currently in Indonesia, will be approached by investigators in person.

“I have been informed that we need to meet him. We cannot compel him to come here now as he is an Indonesian national and presently in that country,” Azam told reporters at the MACC headquarters on Thursday.

“We must obtain his cooperation. I expect this to happen within a week or two. I have instructed the investigators and the director to expedite the matter,” he added.

Jovian’s name reportedly came up in a declaration of assets submitted by Ismail Sabri on 10 February 2025. However, the MACC has stated that Ismail Sabri will not be called in for further questioning at this stage, as the investigation is nearing its end and may conclude by the end of next month.

Azam said the commission is in the process of finalising the investigation papers, which will then be submitted to the public prosecutor should there be sufficient grounds for prosecution.

“If there are enough elements to press charges against him, we will recommend prosecution,” he said.

“As of now, I can say that if the case file is complete and there is a chargeable offence, we will provide the necessary information.”

Ismail Sabri, the Member of Parliament for Bera, is being investigated over alleged corruption and money laundering linked to the procurement and use of funds for the “Keluarga Malaysia” promotional campaign during his premiership from August 2021 to November 2022.

The investigation falls under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

On 3 March 2025, Azam confirmed that Ismail Sabri was officially a suspect in the investigation, which was launched after MACC uncovered approximately RM170 million in cash in multiple currencies and 16 kilograms of gold bars during a raid on a residence identified as a “safe house.” - May 22, 2025