Shahrir among 34 who failed to quash MACC compounds

Former Felda chairman Shahrir Samad is among 34 who are challenging MACC’s compounds over money received from 1MDB.

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court today dismissed bids by 34 individuals, including Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan and Umno veteran Shahrir Samad, to challenge the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) compounds against them to pay back alleged 1MDB funds they received.

High Court judge Nordin Hassan dismissed the leave applications by them to seek judicial review in chambers today.

“The judge did not make any order to cost,” senior federal counsel Ahmad Hanir Hambali, appearing for MACC and chief commissioner Latheefa Koya, told reporters.

Lawyer Shahrul Fazli Kamarulzaman represented the 34 individuals.

Shahrul said 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 MACC from enforcing the compounds or proceeding with the prosecution.

Last year, MACC issued the compounds under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, or Amla, 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. - FMT