KUALA LUMPUR – An interim preservation order application by 11 plaintiffs, seeking to prevent Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor from disposing of luxury items worth RM1.632 billion in her possession, came to a halt after her lawyers expressed their intentions to recuse the presiding judge.
Lawyers representing Rosmah – wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak – suggested to the high court here that it would not be suitable for judge Adlin Abdul Majid to hear the application until the matter of recusal is decided.
Rosmah gave an undertaking through her lawyers that she would not dispose of any “jewellery, handbags, watches and spectacles” in her possession, subject to confirmation that the items are those listed in the plaintiffs’ notice of application.
Her lawyer Tan Sri Shafee Abdullah told the court that he needs more time to go through the six boxes of documents provided by the plaintiffs before he can file a defence.
However, judge Adlin maintained that Rosmah’s lawyers have to file their defence by July 4.
The court will hear the recusal application via Zoom on August 26.
On May 9, 11 plaintiffs including 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) filed a suit at the Kuala Lumpur High Court seeking the return of RM1.632 billion, which is the cost of luxury items received by first defendant Rosmah.
According to the statement of claim, various offshore entities made payments totalling almost US$350 million to 48 luxury goods vendors worldwide.
They claim that the payments were made using funds swindled from the financial scandal involving 1MDB and its various subsidiaries.
They also filed a notice of application on June 10 seeking an interim preservation order to prevent Rosmah from disposing of the said assets. – June 14, 2024