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Naza Quest offers full settlement over MACC forfeiture claim

KUALA LUMPUR (July 26): Naza Quest Auto Sdn Bhd has offered a full settlement for the civil forfeiture claim by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over funds the firm received that were allegedly misappropriated from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

This follows a letter from the defence that was received by the prosecution on July 23, deputy public prosecutor Allan Suman Pillai told the High Court earlier today.

It was confirmed by lawyer Md Yunos Shariff, who is representing the automotive firm, in front of High Court judge Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali.

Naza Quest’s offer to opt for a settlement is similar to that of Yayasan Rahah — the scholarship foundation mooted by Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s mother.

The foundation submitted its letter to MACC for an out-of-court settlement on July 9.

The organisations were among 41 individuals and entities that have been served by the suit, meant to recover nearly RM270 million in total believed to be originating from the state investment fund.

Several others, such as Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam dan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia and Yayasan Penyelidikan Transformasi, have decided not to contest the forfeiture action.

MACC is claiming RM262,662 from Naza Quest. On June 21, Naza Quest said in a press statement that the monies — received from former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak — were for the purchase of four Chevrolet cars in 2012-2013.

The anti-graft agency is also seeking RM839,489.82 from Yayasan Rahah, which is named after Najib’s mother Tun Rahah Mohamed Noah.

Meanwhile, Umno Pekan division — from which MACC is seeking RM700,000 — submitted its application to strike out the claim earlier this week, according to defence lawyer Datuk M Reza Hassan.

Justice Mohd Nazlan then set Aug 23 for case management, where the prosecution will decide on the settlement offer by Naza Quest and Yayasan Rahah, while Umno Pekan’s application is expected to be heard.

Source: TheEdgeMarkets