Latest news with #AMLATFPUAA2001
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ilham Tower challenges MACC's second seizure over alleged irregularities
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) failed to comply with proper procedure in its bid to seize Ilham Tower for the second time, the High Court heard. Ilham Tower Sdn Bhd, the owner of the building, claimed the second seizure notice issued by the anti-graft body failed to adhere to procedures under Section 51(1A) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001. Section 51(1A) of the AMLATFPUAA 2001 requires law enforcement agencies to issue a written notice to the person who owns or possesses any property seized under the Act, informing them of the seizure. The company claimed the MACC also failed to post the notice in a public place as required by law, choosing instead to issue a press statement on the seizure. The company said this in its supporting affidavit to seek leave (permission) to initiate a judicial review to challenge the seizure. "The fourth respondent (MACC) also said that with the seizure of Ilham Tower, all transactions or transfers of ownership involving the building are now prohibited. "This statement is clearly erroneous, as no formal notice was served on the applicant. "The issuance of the second seizure notice is an abuse of process and power. It overlaps the earlier seizure and appears to be an attempt to unlawfully circumvent the 18-month time limit for the first seizure, which expired on June 17. "Although the first seizure notice was issued on Dec 18, 2023, no prosecution or charge has been brought against the late Tun Daim Zainuddin to indicate that the premises are linked to any offence under the MACC Act. "Since the first seizure notice, no evidence has been presented linking the applicant or Daim to any specific offence under the MACC Act 2009, AMLA 2001, or any other law related to money laundering or corruption," the affidavit said. Ilham Tower further argued that the second seizure violates Article 13 of the Federal Constitution, as it deprives the applicant of the right to use and enjoy the property. The company said the seizure has caused a significant loss in rental income, reputational harm as a property owner, and depreciation in the property's value. It added that the prolonged and arbitrary denial of ownership rights – without any charge or prosecution – was not only grossly unfair but also risked rendering the judicial review application futile. Ilham Tower filed the ex-parte application through its legal firm, Messrs Raj & Sach, on June 23. One of the company's directors is the late Daim's wife, Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid. In its application, Ilham Tower named the MACC, its Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, senior officer Mohd Razi Rahhim @ Rahim, MACC deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib, the public prosecutor, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and the government as respondents. The company is seeking a declaration that the order or seizure notice issued by Ahmad Akram is null and void. The company is also applying for a certiorari order to quash the seizure notice and all related decisions or actions. Additionally, it seeks a mandamus order compelling the second respondent – or any officer, employee, agent, or authorised individual under the second respondent – to cancel the seizure notice. Ilham Tower is also requesting a court order to suspend the seizure notice and all related actions or decisions until its judicial review application is heard and decided by the High Court. The company is also seeking damages and costs.
The Sun
25-06-2025
- The Sun
MACC remands NGO chairman on suspicion of money laundering
PUTRAJAYA: A chairman of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has been remanded on suspicion of being involved in money laundering and using proceeds of corruption through personal accounts, his company, and those of relatives and associates. According to a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) source, the male suspect in his 30s was arrested at around 2.30 pm yesterday while giving a statement at the MACC headquarters here. 'The suspect is believed to have committed the acts between 2015 and 2025, and previously the suspect had been remanded for a case investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 related to abuse of power and misappropriation of NGO funds at the suspect's workplace,' said the source. Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin granted a four-day remand, until this Saturday, for the suspect after an application was made by the MACC at the Magistrate's Court here today. Meanwhile, MACC Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Division director Norhaizam Muhammad when contacted confirmed the arrest. He said the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001).
Malaysian Reserve
25-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
MACC files forfeiture application for Menara Ilham
KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has filed a forfeiture application for the Menara Ilham building linked to the late former finance minister, Tun Daim Zainuddin. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the 60-storey building is among the latest assets subject to forfeiture proceedings involving Daim, his wife Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid and several of their local proxies. 'We will initiate the (forfeiture) process today, and I must say, it is not a simple task as there are many steps involved, and the documents (related to Menara Ilham) are extensive. 'In the next one to two weeks, more applications will be filed for properties linked to the individuals concerned,' he said at a press conference at the MACC headquarters here today. Azam also said the MACC has obtained a Restraining Order in Malaysia against assets belonging to Daim and related parties in the United Kingdom, estimated to be worth RM700 million. Following this, UK authorities have been notified and agreed to file a Restraining Order application in UK courts based on Malaysia's request. Earlier this month, the MACC once again seized Menara Ilham after securing permission from the Deputy Public Prosecutor to do so. On Monday, the High Court temporarily suspended an order to freeze seven properties, including three luxury residences in London, and one bank account, allegedly belonging to Na'imah and her family. Previously, the MACC had obtained an ex parte order to freeze the seven properties and one bank account, all of which are valued at £132 million (RM758.2 million), under Section 53 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001. According to the MACC's application, investigations found that the movable and immovable assets were matters or evidence relating to alleged offences under Section 4(1) of the AMLATFPUAA 2001. — BERNAMA
New Straits Times
25-06-2025
- New Straits Times
NGO chairman remanded over suspected involvement in money laundering
PUTRAJAYA: A non-governmental organisation (NGO) chairman has been remanded by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on suspicion of money laundering through proceeds from corruption. It is learnt that the suspect allegedly engaged in money laundering involving the receipt, transfer and use of illicit funds through his personal and company bank accounts, as well as those belonging to relatives and associates. Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin granted a four-day remand order until June 28 following an application by the MACC at the magistrate's court here this morning. According to a source, the male suspect, in his 30s, was arrested at about 2.30pm yesterday when he presented himself at the MACC headquarters to give a statement. "The suspect is believed to have committed the offences between 2015 and 2025. He was previously remanded in a case investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 for abuse of power and misappropriation of NGO funds at his workplace," the source said. Meanwhile, MACC Anti-Money Laundering Division director Norhaizam Muhammad, when contacted, confirmed the arrest. She said the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001).
Sinar Daily
25-06-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Prosecution seeks court order to restrain Tun Daim's widow from handling assets in Jersey
The prosecutor alleged that the assets were acquired by Na'imah or individuals linked to her in Malaysia and were not declared to the IRB. 25 Jun 2025 04:12pm Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid - BERNAMA FILE PIX KUALA LUMPUR - The prosecution today filed an ex-parte application in the High Court here seeking to restrain Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid, the widow of the late Tun Daim Zainuddin, or her associates, from dealing with offshore assets amounting to USD157.5 million (approximately RM667 million) and GBP85 million located in Jersey, a British Crown dependency. Deputy Public Prosecutor Maziah Mohaide filed the application before High Court Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin under Section 53 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activity Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001). Maziah said the application was based on investigations under Section 113 of the Income Tax Act and Section 4(1) of AMLATFPUAA. The prosecutor alleged that the assets were acquired by Na'imah or individuals linked to her in Malaysia and were not declared to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid - BERNAMA FILE PIX This was the third application by the prosecution, following earlier efforts involving assets located in the United Kingdom and Singapore. Meanwhile, Na'imah's counsel, Syed Afiq Syed Albakri, applied to intervene in the proceedings and requested that the cause papers be served on her. The court then allowed the lawyer's application to file an intervener application and fixed Aug 22 to hear the intervener application, which will take precedence before the court hears the prosecution's bid. On May 22, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki disclosed that eight investigation papers had been opened based on new information from external agencies regarding assets owned by Tun Daim, his family and proxies. Azam said the latest information indicated that the assets were not declared during the MACC's 2023 investigation. - BERNAMA
