SARAWAKIAN businessman Bustari Yusof, a close confidant of Najib Razak, is seeking a possible settlement with prosecutors in a 1MDB-related forfeiture suit.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has filed a suit to seize RM11.92 million from Bustari.

Lawyers representing Bustari told the Kuala Lumpur High Court today that a representation letter will be sent to Attorney-General Tommy Thomas, containing a proposal for settlement.

Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah then set November 1 for the court to hear the A-G’s decision.

Sequerah also set the same date for mention after deputy public prosecutor Mahadi Abd Jumaat requested for more time to go over the defence’s written submission for its preliminary objection to the suit.

Mahadi told the court today that the case involves issues never heard before in a court, which may set legal precedence.

“On our part, we need ample time to review, study and then reply to the written submission. We also need time to prepare for the hearing,” he said, adding that the prosecution will seek the assistance of investigators to build its case.

Bustari, who is the brother of former works minister Fadillah Yusof, was not present in court today.

He was represented by former solicitor-general Yusof Zainal Abiden, Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin, Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, Cliff Sion Juan Wen and Tiara Katrina Fuad.

Bustari reportedly left the country after the May 9 polls last year, when Pakatan Harapan swept into power.

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