KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court today rejected Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's application to attend the proceedings of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) suit against him and several other individuals.
The hearing involves two applications, the first being an inter-partes Mareva injunction by 1MDB and one of its subsidiaries to prevent the former prime minister from disposing of or reducing the value of any of his assets in Malaysia amounting to US$681 million.
Another application is by Najib to set aside the Mareva injunction obtained by 1MDB and Global Diversified Investment Company Limited (formerly known as 1MDB Global Investments Limited) who are the first and fifth plaintiffs in the suit.
Lawyer Siva Kumar Kanagasabai who represented 1MDB, said Judge Atan Mustaffa Yusoff Ahmad made the decision after hearing the arguments regarding the application of Najib - who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence in Kajang Prison - to attend the proceedings for both applications.
"The application was rejected without any costs. Apart from that, the court allowed Datuk Seri Najib's request to postpone the hearing for both applications which should have taken place tomorrow," he said when contacted.
Today's proceedings were attended by lawyers Dhanyaa Shreeya Sukumar and Tommy Lim Ka Hui representing 1MDB and lawyers Muhammad Farhan Muhammad Shafee and Alaistair Brandah Norman on behalf of Najib.
A Mareva injunction is an order preventing someone from disposing of property pending the outcome or completion of a legal action.
The injunction also limits Najib from withdrawing no more than RM100,000 per month for living and legal expenses, and if more is required, he would need to get written permission from the lawyers of 1MDB and Global Diversified.
The order also states that Najib must make written disclosure to 1MDB and Global Diversified regarding his assets valued up to US$681 million, whether domestic or overseas, under his own name or otherwise and whether owned solely or jointly with other defendants.
The plaintiffs in the suit are 1MDB, 1MDB Energy Holdings Limited, 1MDB Energy Limited, 1MDB Energy (Langat) Limited and Global Diversified, while Najib, Terrence Geh Choh Heng (former finance director of 1MDB), Jasmine Loo Ai Swan (former 1MDB counsel), Casey Tang Keng Chee (former executive director of 1MDB), Vincent Beng, Radhi Mohamad (former chief financial officer and subsequently chief operating officer) were named as defendants.
Also named as defendants were Kelvin Tan Kay Jim (former investment director) and Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil (former chief executive officer of SRC International Sdn Bhd).
The US$8 billion suit is one of 22 civil suits filed to claim over US$23 billion on behalf of 1MDB and its former subsidiary SRC International, from several individuals allegedly involved in the financial scandal.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Nov 10 2022
The High Court today rejected Najib Razak's application to attend the proceedings of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) suit against him and several other individuals. - BERNAMA/Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
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.