Former PM Ismail Sabri undergoes successful leadless pacemaker implant at IJN for abnormal heart rhythm; lawyer says he is stable but remains in CCU
Ismail Sabri YaakobAmer Hamzah ArshadSuzana HussinSessions CourtNational Heart Institute

Former PM Ismail Sabri undergoes successful leadless pacemaker implant at IJN for abnormal heart rhythm; lawyer says he is stable but remains in CCU

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob underwent a successful leadless pacemaker implantation at the National Heart Institute for an abnormal heart rhythm. His lawyer reported that he is stable but remains in the Cardiac Care Unit for monitoring, with limited visitation allowed.

The Star The Star7 August 2026 · 13:07 UTC
CuriousCats Full Story

Former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob successfully underwent a leadless pacemaker implantation at the National Heart Institute (IJN) on August 7 due to an abnormal heart rhythm. His lawyer, Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, confirmed that the procedure was successful and that Ismail Sabri is currently stable but remains in the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) for close monitoring.123

"The procedure went smoothly and was successful. Datuk Seri is stable but remains in the CCU for close monitoring," Amer stated. He also mentioned that visitation is limited to close family members to support Ismail Sabri's recovery and ensure his privacy. The IJN has requested that the media and public respect the family's privacy during this time, with further updates to be provided through authorized channels.

Earlier that day, Ismail Sabri was scheduled to be charged in the Sessions Court, but his admission to IJN led to a postponement of the proceedings to August 27. Sessions Court Judge Suzana Hussin agreed to the postponement, considering the former prime minister's health condition. The reading of the charges and recording of his plea will take place at 9 am on that date.

This incident highlights the ongoing health challenges faced by the former leader amidst legal proceedings, as he navigates both his recovery and the upcoming court dates.

Key Insight
“The procedure was performed on Friday afternoon, and his lawyer Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad said Ismail Sabri was advised to rest. Visitation is limited to close family members, with IJN requesting privacy and updates through authorised channels.”
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The StarThe Star
“PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob successfully underwent a leadless pacemaker implantation procedure at the National Heart Institute (IJN) for an abnormal heart rhythm on Friday (Aug 7) afternoon.”
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EARLIER IN THE STORY:
Former Malaysia PM Ismail Sabri's MACC Act hearing adjourned to Aug 27 after hospitalisation; timing of prosecution questioned
The Straits TimesThe Straits Times
Former Malaysia PM Ismail Sabri's MACC Act hearing adjourned to Aug 27 after hospitalisation; timing of prosecution questioned

Former Malaysia PM Ismail Sabri's court hearing has been adjourned to Aug 27 after he was hospitalised, delaying a prosecution that puts Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's reform agenda in the spotlight.

Anwar Reform AgendaCourt Hearing AdjournedHospitalisation Delay
2026-08-07
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • The hearing for former Malaysia PM Ismail Sabri has been adjourned to Aug 27 after he was hospitalised, delaying a prosecution that puts Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s reform agenda back in the spotlight.
  • Ismail Sabri, 66, is expected to face charges related to his asset declarations, amid a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigation into alleged corruption and money laundering linked to the Keluarga Malaysia initiative, a programme launched during his administration from August 2021 to November 2022.
  • Investigators previously seized about RM170 million (S$53 million) in foreign currencies and 16kg of gold bars worth about RM7 million during raids on premises linked to several of his former aides.
  • Ismail Sabri’s lawyer, Amer Hamzah Arshad, said his client remains determined to contest the charges once his health stabilises: “He definitely wants to clear his name, but the main thing on his mind right now is his health.”
  • Azmil Tayeb, a visiting senior fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, said the timing is bound to invite public scrutiny: “People have all the right to be sceptical, looking at the timing of these developments since it is at the same time as UMNO making big strides in the last two state elections.”
  • Though it can be seen as “politically motivated”, Azmil said the case should be judged on its own merits and the independence of the courts. He also noted that the prosecution is unlikely to significantly alter ties within the unity government because Ismail Sabri no longer holds dominant influence within UMNO.
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