KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here today dismissed an application by the prosecution to stay the execution of an order for the return of property seized from former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, their sons and several other individuals.
Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan made the ruling after hearing submissions from the prosecution as the applicant and lawyers representing the respondents.
The respondents, besides Najib, Rosmah and their sons. Nor Ashman Razak and Riza Shahriz Abdul Aziz (Rosmah's son), are Senijauhar Sdn Bhd, Aiman Ruslan, Goh Gaik Ewe, Roger Ng Chong Hwa (former Goldman Sachs bank officer) and wife Lim Hwee Bin.
"I do not see any reasonable grounds for this application, so I reject the prosecution's application to stay the execution of the order for the return of the property," said the judge.
On Nov 8 last year, Judge Mohamed Zaini ordered items ,including handbags of various brands, 27 vehicles and cash in various currencies that were seized for allegedly linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, not to be forfeited to the Malaysian government.
Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Harris Ong Mohd Jeffery Ong submitted that the prosecution had applied for an adjournment since the appeal against the forfeiture decision was being heard at the Court of Appeal.
"The Court of Appeal has set Sept 6 for case management and the prosecution is still waiting for the appeal record.
"I request the court to consider ... we have filed an appeal within the time frame, so we still have jurisdiction over the seized items until the case is decided by the Court of Appeal," he said.
Lawyer Datuk Tan Hock Chuan, representing Roger Ng and his wife, informed the court that his clients had been allowed direct access to their bank accounts at Maybank (Plaza Damansara branch) and RHB Bank (Bangsar Shopping Centre Office Tower branch) following a suit they filed against the two banks.
He said he did not know if there was still money in the accounts since the two banks had allowed Ng and his wife direct access to their accounts since last April.
Meanwhile, lawyers Mardhiyah Siraj and Azamuddin Aziz, representing Najib, Riza Shahriz and Nor Ashman, requested the court to dismiss the prosecution's application for stay the order for the return of their property on the grounds that there were no special circumstances permitting the stay.
They said that the 12-month seal order on the property had also expired.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Jul 22 2022
The High Court dismissed an application by the prosecution to stay the execution of an order for the return of property seized from Najib Razak, his wife Rosmah Mansor, their sons and several other individuals. - BERNAMA
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.