The Court of Appeal today dismissed former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin's appeal to strike out a lawsuit filed against her by the party for breaching the party bond.
A three-member panel lead by Justice Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera in an unanimous decision said, the court agreed with the High Court judge that the issue of the legality and validity of the contract between the parties (Zuraida and PKR) could only be determined through a full trial.
"The court needs to hear full evidence, both documentary and orally, (viva voce) before a decision is made. We do not find that the High Court judge was clearly wrong in deciding that the issues raised in this suit are not suitable for consideration for striking out application.
"Hence, the appeal is dismissed with cost RM10,000 and the decision of the High Court is affirmed" Justice Vazeer said in his decision delivered via video-conferencing.
The other two judges were Datuk M. Gunalan and Datuk Seri Mariana Yahya.
The panel made the ruling after hearing submissions from counsels Muhammad Nizamuddin Abdul Hamid, representing Zuraida and Ranjit Singh, who appeared for PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
On Nov 19, 2021, the High Court dismissed Zuraida's application to strike out the suit filed by the party on Sept 28, 2020.
In the statement of claim, PKR claimed that Zuraida, who is now Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister, had signed a bond on April 25, 2018, binding her to pay RM10 million to the party as stated in the bond's terms and conditions.
Among the terms and conditions are that the defendant (Zuraida) admitted that the party has incurred significant expenses to promote itself and that the defendant also admitted that by appointing her as a candidate and giving her permission to use the party's logo, emblem, symbol, and flag, the party has further increased the value of the defendant in the amount of more than RM10 million.
PKR claimed that Zuraida agreed to pay the party a sum of RM10 million at the latest seven days, in the event of several incidents, after winning the election on a PKR ticket, including if she resigns from the party or joins other political parties or becomes an independent elected representative.
The party claimed that on or around Feb 24, 2020, Zuraida in a statement with 10 PKR members of Parliament (MPs) announced their resignation from the party without her resigning as Ampang MP, and eventually formed a new bloc known as Perikatan Nasional (PN).
PKR is seeking Zuraida to pay RM10 million in accordance with the terms of the bond, or alternatively RM12,049,459.20 under Section 71 of the Contracts Act, with interest of five per cent on the amount to be determined by the court, as well as other costs and relief deemed fit by the court.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Sep 06 2022
The Court of Appeal today dismissed former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin's appeal to strike out a lawsuit filed against her by the party for breaching the party bond. - 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.