JOHOR BARU: The Sessions Court here rejected an application by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to forfeit assets worth RM1.58 million belonging to former Johor Exco member Datuk Abdul Latif Bandi, his son and daughter-in-law.
The assets comprise seven luxury cars, including a Porsche Cayenne, a Nissan Skyline, a Honda CRV and a Toyota Vellfire worth RM1.18 million; as well as 19 luxury watches and cash totalling RM406,000.
Judge Kamarudin Kamsun said the decision was made after the court reviewed all the exhibits and heard arguments from both the prosecution and defence.
"The court has decided to reject the prosecution's application and order that all the assets that were seized be returned to the registered owners as per status quo," said Kamarudin.
However, the judge allowed an application by MACC deputy public prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat for a temporary stay on the decision according to Section 311 of the Criminal Procedure Code. This is to allow the prosecution to file an appeal to the High Court.
Kamarudin then ordered the prosecution to file the appeal within 14 days, failing which, the assets would be returned to the registered owners.
"If the respondents want to use the assets in the near future, an application can be made to the MACC, and they also have a right to set conditions, including collateral, through a bond," said Kamarudin.
Abdul Latif, his son Ahmad Fauzan Hatim and daughter-in-law Nur Shaliza Mohd Salleh, who are the respondents in the case, appeared satisfied with the court's decision.
Two companies belonging to Ahmad Fauzan, Alaf Pentawaris Sdn Bhd and Wash & Chill, were also named as respondents.
Abdul Latif, when met after the proceeding, said he is grateful over the court's decision.
On April 21, Abdul Latif, the former state Housing and Local Government Committee chairman, along with his son and a property consultant, were acquitted of 37 charges of corruption.
Abdul Latif, 53, Ahmad Fauzan, 27 and Amir Shariffuddin Abd Raub, 46, were earlier charged under Section 32(8)(c) and Section 89 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
The MACC seized 21 luxury vehicles, five high-powered motorcycles and RM500,000 in cash, and froze 45 bank accounts containing up to RM15.5 million, as part of the investigation into the case.