Global Royalty Trading SAL founder Samer Halimeh says he feels vindicated and relieved after the High Court ordered Rosmah Mansor to pay RM67.5 million in damages in a long-running dispute over luxury jewellery.
Describing the ruling as the culmination of an eight-year legal battle, the 51-year-old Lebanese businessman said the judgment reinforced his confidence in Malaysia’s judicial system.
“I am happy with this decision. The Malaysian courts have once again proven that they are independent,” Samer said.
“The judgment was very clear. I feel that my name has finally been cleared.”
According to Samer, the company faced numerous challenges throughout the litigation process, including allegations that its claim was fabricated and attempts to undermine his personal credibility.
“It took eight years to reach this outcome. Along the way, there were various obstacles, including negative campaigns on social media by certain parties claiming that our company and our claim were fake,” he said.
“There were also efforts to question my credibility. That is why I feel my reputation has finally been vindicated.”
On Wednesday, High Court Judge Datuk Quay Chew Soon ordered Rosmah to pay RM67,461,027.37 within one month after finding her liable for failing to return 43 luxury jewellery items supplied to her on consignment.
The civil suit centred on 44 luxury jewellery pieces valued at US$14.57 million (approximately RM68.3 million), which Global Royalty claimed were supplied to Rosmah in 2018 for viewing purposes on a consignment basis.
The company maintained that ownership of the jewellery remained with Global Royalty and alleged that the items were never returned, prompting the lawsuit seeking compensation.
Of the 44 pieces involved, only one item — a diamond and emerald bracelet — was recovered and returned to the company following forfeiture proceedings. The remaining 43 jewellery items have yet to be located.
Under Malaysian law, a judgment creditor may pursue enforcement measures such as the seizure and sale of assets, garnishee proceedings and judgment debtor examinations before initiating bankruptcy proceedings as a final option.
Samer also expressed gratitude to his legal team, led by Datuk David Gurupatham and Venothani Rajagopal, for their commitment throughout the lengthy legal battle.
“My family and I would like to thank our lawyers for their extraordinary and unwavering efforts over the years,” he said.
“Not many people believed I would obtain justice in Malaysia, but justice has ultimately prevailed.”
He added that he hopes Rosmah will settle the amount ordered by the court so that the matter can finally be resolved.
Earlier, lawyer Datuk David Gurupatham said his client would utilise all available legal avenues to recover the RM67.5 million awarded by the High Court, including commencing bankruptcy proceedings if necessary as a last resort.
