Shahrir, Thomas discussing possible resolution of civil suit

 

The Kuala Lumpur High Court today adjourned proceedings in the civil suit filed by Umno veteran Shahrir Samad against former attorney-general Tommy Thomas, former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya, and two others, to facilitate settlement negotiations among the parties.

Judge Gan Techiong ordered the adjournment after Shahrir’s counsel Firoz Hussein Jamaluddin informed the court that his client and the defendants were discussing a possible resolution of the matter.

"As we have indicated earlier, there have been some positive developments and discussions between the plaintiff and the second to fourth defendants.

“In that regard, we need to obtain further instructions from our client.

"We seek Your Lordship's leave and permission to discuss the matter, specifically the proposed resolution of the dispute. We also respectfully request that this morning's proceedings be vacated to enable us to continue those discussions. We will return before Your Lordship on Wednesday (Sept 9)," Firoz added.

Counsel Alan Adrian Gomez, representing Thomas as the first defendant, and senior federal counsel Zureen Elina Dom, appearing for the three other defendants, confirmed that the parties were engaged in settlement discussions and raised no objection to adjourning today's proceedings.

Gan then adjourned the proceedings to Sept 9 for the parties to update the court on the status of the proposed settlement.

Shahrir had been scheduled to continue giving his testimony in the matter today.

‘Malicious prosecution’

In December 2023, Shahrir filed the civil suit against Thomas, Latheefa, the MACC, and the government, alleging malicious prosecution.

The former Johor Bahru MP's claim arises from a RM1 million cheque he had received from former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak for rehabilitation works on the Puri Langkasuka housing project in Larkin, Johor.

Thomas, who served as AG from June 2018 to February 2020, has denied Shahrir's allegations against him, including abuse of power, describing them as "indefensible."

He further clarified that he had resigned on Feb 28, 2020, and that Shahrir's criminal trial commenced only on July 26, 2022.

On Jan 5, 2023, High Court judge Jamil Hussin acquitted Shahrir of the charge of failing to declare to the Inland Revenue Board the RM1 million in income received from Najib.

- Bernama