The High Court here today dismissed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) application to forfeit a gold bar and RM21 million held in 12 bank accounts belonging to Aman Palestin Sdn Bhd.
Judge Datuk Seri Latifah Mohd Tahar made the decision after considering the affidavits and submissions presented by both parties.
She said MACC had sought the forfeiture order under Subsection 56(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Act 613/AMLA).
According to the judge, MACC alleged that funds collected as donations to assist Palestinians had been misappropriated, with Aman Palestin purportedly transferring substantial sums to a company for cash and property investments as well as the purchase of gold.
The anti-graft agency also argued that the gold bar purchased by the company constituted proceeds linked to a predicate offence under Section 420 of the Penal Code, relating to cheating.
However, Latifah ruled that MACC had failed to establish that the money and gold bar were proceeds derived from wrongdoing or unlawful activities.
The decision means the forfeiture application involving the RM21 million and gold bar was not granted by the court.
The case centres on allegations concerning the use of funds raised through donations intended to support humanitarian efforts in Palestine.
