THE high court has rejected applications by Ahmad Maslan and Shahrir Abdul Samad to challenge Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) compounds against them to pay back alleged 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds.

They were among a group of 34 individuals seeking to dismiss the MACC application.

Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Nordin Hassan dismissed the leave applications by the group to seek a judicial review in chambers this morning.

The court also did not make any order to cost, said senior federal counsel Ahmad Hanir Hambali, who appeared for the MACC and its chief commissioner, Latheefa Koya.

Lawyer Shahrul Fazli Kamarulzaman represented the 34 individuals.

Shahrul, meanwhile, told reporters that Nordin dismissed their leave applications on grounds that MACC’s action in issuing the compounds was part and parcel of the criminal proceedings.

He said some would appeal against the decision.

The 34 alleged that Latheefa’s move to issue compound notices to them over the 1MDB funds was premature, misleading and tort of misfeasance in public office.

They also sought an order to stop the MACC from enforcing the compounds or proceeding with the prosecution.

Last year, the MACC issued the compounds under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act against 80 individuals and companies said to have received funds from 1MDB amounting to RM420 million.

Among the alleged recipients was banker Nazir Razak, who is the brother of former prime minister Najib Razak.

Last month, Umno veteran Shahrir and Pontian MP Ahmad claimed trial to charges of money laundering amounting to RM3 million.

They were charged under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.

Shahrir, 71, was accused of failing to declare a RM1 million cheque he allegedly received from the former prime minister to the Inland Revenue Board.

Ahmad, meanwhile, was slapped with two offences for failure to declare RM2 million he allegedly received from Najib and for making false statements to the authorities. – February 26, 2020.