PEKAN Umno has filed a preliminary objection to a forfeiture suit by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, which is seeking to recover funds linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

Lawyer M. Reza Hassan told a hearing presided by Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali that the party won’t settle the RM700,000 sought by the anti-graft agency.

The objection was filed on Tuesday. Deputy public prosecutor Allan Suman Pillai requested the court to set August 23 to hear their response.  

Meanwhile, lawyers representing Naza Quest Auto Sdn Bhd and Yayasan Rahah have requested for full settlement. Case management has also been set for August 23.

MACC is seeking to recover RM269,662 and RM839,489.92 respectively.

MACC filed civil forfeiture suits against 41 individuals and entities in a bid to recover RM270 million of its funds.

Md Yunos Shariff represented Naza Quest Auto and Amin Othman appeared for Yayasan Rahah. The foundation, which tends to Orang Asli needs, was named after the mother of former prime minister Najib Razak. 

The gazette notification was made under Section 56(1) and 61(2) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

In the motion notice, the prosecutor applied for an order to publish a notice under Section 61(2) of the act to summon all third parties claiming any interest in the property seized from all respondents to attend or be represented by their lawyers before the high court on a date yet to be fixed. – July 26, 2019.