THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission will appeal the High Court decision to dismiss its bid to freeze RM192 million in Umno’s bank accounts pending an appeal over its forfeiture.

Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan on Friday also dismissed similar applications with regard to funds in the accounts of Wanita MCA, Perano Sdn Bhd and Binsabi Sdn Bhd.

MACC had sought to seize RM300,000, RM337,634.78 and RM827,250 from Wanita MCA, Perano and Binsabi, respectively, bringing the total sum to RM194 million.

In a statement today, MACC said it is appealing all four decisions, which will be filed by prosecutors from the Attorney-General’s Chambers. The appeal application period is within two weeks of Friday’s decision.

In his ruling Friday, Zaini said the government failed to prove that Umno is insolvent and unable to pay the RM192 million should the appellate court rule against it.

The party’s lawyer, Hariharan Tara Singh, assured that Umno has “sufficient assets” and is not at risk of insolvency.

Among Umno’s assets is the Putra World Trade Centre building, valued at about RM450 million.

The government’s lawyers argued that there is no guarantee the assets can be seized again should the appellate court rule in Umno’s favour.

Zaini in February dismissed the government’s bid to forfeit RM192,965,413.65 from Umno, saying the balance in the party’s account as of May last year was not linked to money allegedly deposited by Najib Razak when he was Umno president.

Umno, in its submission, said the money had long been used up, on the 2018 general election, among others.

The Court of Appeal will also hear on June 29 the appeal against Zaini’s February decision.

Umno, Wanita MCA, Perano and Binsabi are among the 41 organisations and individuals from which MACC hopes to recover RM270 million linked to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal. – June 23, 2020.