High Court dismisses MACC's forfeiture suit against Jakel Trading, Johor Baru BN

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): The High Court here dismissed on Tuesday the application by the prosecution to forfeit a sum of RM1.31mil from Jakel Trading and Johor Baru Barisan Nasional (BN), allegedly related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) fraudulent fund scandal.

Jakel Trading and Johor Baru BN had allegedly received the monies from former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, amounting RM628,314 and RM677,872.55, respectively.

Judicial Commissioner Datuk Ahmad Shahrir Mohd Salleh made the decision after considering the affidavits and submissions made by both prosecution and defence.

DPP Samihah Rhazali and Mahadi Abdul Jumaat told the court that they will file a formal application for a stay of execution, pending appeal, within 14 days from today.

Lawyers Thevini Nayagam and Habizan Habeeb Rahman represented Jakel Trading while Johor Baru BN was represented by lawyer Datuk Syed Faisal Al-Edros Syed Abdullah Al-Edros.

In June last year, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) filed a civil forfeiture suit against 41 entities, comprising individuals, companies and political parties, under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act to recover about RM270mil believed to be linked to 1MDB.

The MACC believed the money was illegally transferred from Najib’s accounts. - Bernama