SARAWAKIAN businessman Bustari Yusof, a close confidant of Najib Razak, and three others will challenge the manner in which a 1MDB-related forfeiture suit was commenced against them. 

Bustari, who is the brother of Petra Jaya MP Fadillah Yusof, was reported to have fled the country after the May 9 polls last year, when Pakatan Harapan swept into power. 

Prosecutors are seeking to seize RM11.92 million from Bustari. 

Also challenging the suit are textile firm Jakel Trading (RM628,314), Mediaedge CIA (M) Sdn Bhd (RM4.63 million) and Persatuan Bekas Anggota Kemas Malaysia (RM100,000)

Bustari’s lawyer Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin told the hearing today presided by Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Collin Lawerence Sequerah that the government had used the “wrong mode” in filing its civil suit.

The four said they wished to respond via sworn testimonies.

Selangor Umno liaison committee (RM2.74 million), Johor Umno (RM678,872), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Sabah (RM509,560), Sabah Umno politician Kasitah Gaddam (RM100,000) and Yayasan Permata Malaysia (RM4.9 million) were also named in the suit. 

In total, the government is seeking to seize assets worth RM26.2 million from the respondents.

Deputy public prosecutor Nik Haslinie Hashim told the court that all nine respondents were served last month.

The prosecution is seeking an order from the high court to publish a notice under Section 61(2) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act to summon third parties with claim to have any interest in the assets to come before the court on the date specified in the notice to show cause as to why the property shall not be forfeited to the government.

Sequerah ordered nine respondents in Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission’s forfeiture suit to file their affidavits by September 4, the day the prosecution will gazette the notice. 

Today’s application is part of a larger suit by the MACC against 41 entities and individuals to seize RM270 million of 1MDB funds. – July 4, 2019.