KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court today set May 17 to resume trial of a suit by the Malaysian government to recover RM253.6 million in loan payments and interests from National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) should parties involved failed to reach a settlement.
Senior federal counsel Nurhafizza Azizan, representing the government when met by reporters, said the court had set today to resume the trial before Judicial Commissioner Anand Ponnudurai.
"However, today's trial was postponed following NFC's request to settle the suit. The parties will inform the court on the status of the settlement of the case on May 17. If no settlement is reached, the case will continue with the trial on that day," he said, adding that the defendants had presented five witnesses in the suit.
The trial had commenced on Jan 13, 2021 last year and the plaintiff had closed their case on March 17 after calling seven witnesses to testify.
NFC is managed by the husband and three children of former Women, Family and Community Development Minister Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.
Today, Shahrizat's husband, Datuk Dr Mohamad Salleh Ismail, who was named the second defendant was supposed to testify.
In its claim, the government as the sole plaintiff, named the NFC as the first defendant. The other defendants were Wan Shahinur Izran, Wan Shahinur Izmir and Wan Izzana Fatimah Zabedah.
The government claimed that it had signed a loan agreement totalling RM250 million with NFC on Dec 6, 2007 to finance the costs of establishing and operating a National Feedlot Centre in Gemas as part of its policy to develop and increase beef production.
The loan was disbursed in three separate tranches and Mohamad Salleh's family had made 10 withdrawals amounting to RM180.51 million from Jan 24, 2008 to Jan 3, 2011.
Of the RM180.51 million withdrawn, only RM8.32 million was paid directly to third parties to conduct the National Feedlot Centre project. The balance of the withdrawn funds was transferred to other NFC accounts and a total of RM118.04 million from this balance was allegedly misused.
The government also claimed that a total of RM300,000 was used to make payment to an individual for an undisclosed purpose and an additional RM1.8 million was paid to the same individual.
Mohamad Salleh's family also allegedly used the loan by the government to settle monthly rental amounting to RM28,000 for an office lot at Solaris Mont Kiara.
Other alleged expenditure made with the loan included for purchase of two plots of land in Putrajaya, payment to two legal firms and the purchase of a four-storey shop house in Solaris Mont Kiara.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Jan 25 2022
The High Court today set May 17 to resume trial of a suit by the Malaysian government to recover RM253.6 million in loan payments and interests from the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) should parties involved failed to reach a settlement. BERNAMA
US military plane deporting Indian immigrants lands in India
The Trump administration has increasingly turned to the military to help carry out its immigration agenda.
Trump's Gaza plan for 'Riviera of the Middle East' triggers international condemnation
Countries from Russia, China, Spain, Ireland and the UK say they continue to support the two-state solution.
US Postal Service suspends inbound parcels from China, Hong Kong
Trump's crackdown on de minimis would make the products sold by the likes of Shein and Temu more expensive.
US plan to take over Gaza: Malaysia's stance on Palestine unchanged - PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia's stance remains the same as that of other Islamic countries.
US freezes funding for security mission tackling Haiti's gangs
More than $13 million in US funding for an international security force helping fight armed gangs in Haiti has been frozen, the UN says.
Over 40,000 civil servants at high risk of mental health issues - Zaliha
A total of 44,901 civil servants were screened under Public Service Psychological Health Digital Profiling System, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
India's Modi takes 'holy dips' at Maha Kumbh, week after stampede killed dozens
Security personnel stood in the water nearby while thousands of people crowded the banks to watch the prime minister perform the rituals.
Philippine Congress endorses impeachment complaint against vice president
Vice President Sara Duterte would be the Philippines' second most senior official to face removal from office.
What is a sovereign wealth fund?
Sovereign wealth funds are investment vehicles owned by countries.
[COLUMNIST] Rising above Trump tariffs: How a resilient global economy outlasts US protectionism
The current alarm over Trumps tariff threats overlooks a key point: global markets are resilient and adaptable.
Khazanah reports RM5.1 billion operating profit for 2024
Khazanah records RM103.6 billion NAV in 2024, driven by strong domestic investments and strategic growth.
Washington, DC officials identify 66 of 67 victims of midair collision
Work continues by the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove the airplane wreckage from the Potomac River.
Government to further strengthen ASEAN's readiness in finalising DEFA
Malaysia is focusing on two main approaches to facilitate the DEFA negotiation, says Liew Chin Tong.
Trade war will not hinder Malaysia’s GDP growth for 2025 - Rafizi
The finance ministry has projected Malaysia's GDP to grow between 4.5 and 5.5 per cent in 2025.
Trump administration considers adding Shein, Temu to 'forced labor' list, Semafor reports
The move comes after China imposes targeted tariffs on US imports and warnings of possible sanctions against firms like Google.
Thailand to cut power to Myanmar border areas linked to scam centres
Evidence shows transnational crime syndicates in Myanmar's Tachileik, Myawaddy, Payathonzu, that are possible power cut targets.
Trump reimposes 'maximum pressure' on Iran, aims to drive oil exports to zero
Trump signs the presidential memorandum reimposing Washington's tough policy on Iran that was practiced throughout his first term.
FACTBOX: Trump proposes US takeover of Gaza
Here are some remarks that US President Donald Trump made and questions that he answered during a press conference.
Singapore passes law against foreign interference in race-based organisations
Under the Racial Harmony Bill, race-based groups must disclose foreign and anonymous donations, affiliations, and leadership.
Malaysia, Uzbekistan agree to elevate ties to strategic partnership
Malaysia and Uzbekistan noted active cooperation on key issues within international bodies, especially the UN and OIC.