UMNO has been named in court as the largest recipient of funds allegedly stolen from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) in the forfeiture suit against 41 entities and individuals by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The suit seeks to forfeit RM270 million of which RM212 million was linked to Umno.

Prosecutors today filed the forfeiture suit against seven entities and individuals under Section 56 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla) at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

MACC is seeking to recover RM212,965,413.61 from Umno.

Also named in the suit are the late Abdul Manan Ismail, from who MACC seeks to recover RM265,146.16; Wanita MCA (RM300,000); Binsabi Sdn Bhd (RM827,250); Perano Sdn Bhd (RM337,634.78), Umno Sabah liaison committee (RM1,254,112.24) and Hasan Malek (RM100,000).

Justice Mohd Zaini Mazlan told the respondents they have until July 25 to file their affidavits.

Prosecutors and respondents are to file their affidavit-in-replies on August 15 and 29.

Case management has been set for July 29.

Abdul Manan’s widow Rohizah Ahmad told the court that her husband passed away on February 12 last year.

Deputy public prosecutor Kamal Baharin Omar said the prosecution will seek to substitute its claim with his estate.

Abdul Manan was Umno MP for Paya Besar in Pahang and had served as private secretary to former prime minister Najib Razak.

Hasan was Umno MP for Kuala Pilah in Negri Sembilan, and a former minister in Najib’s cabinet. Hasan was present in court today.

Umno is represented by Nurfazreen Hazrina Rahim, Wanita MCA (Alane Teo), Binsabi (Muhammad Hasif Hassan), Perano (Thevini Nayagam), Umno Sabah liaison committee (Harcharanjit Singh) and Hasan (Ami Othman).

Zaini has allowed the prosecution to file a notice in the gazette on the suit within two months from today.

In a press conference on Friday, MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya named six state liaison Umno committees – Selangor, Kedah, Sabah, Perak, Johor, Kelantan – and two Umno divisions, Johor Baru and Kota Baru.

Also named were Pahang MCA, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah, Sarawak United People’s Party and Sabah’s Liberal Democratic Party.

Latheefa said the matter was not a criminal prosecution, and those named were only subjected to forfeiture.

“This is not a criminal prosecution, so if they (recipients) voluntarily decide to give back the money, it’s all well and good.

“We have so many people who may have received the money. If we try to prosecute them all, it will take time.

“Since the law is clear, this (forfeiture) seems to be the most pragmatic way of getting the money back.”

Hearings are set for July 10, 24 and 31, where prosecutors are expected to file its suit against the remaining respondents. – June 25, 2019.