Was the RM3 million seized from AGA Touch proven to be from illegal activities?

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RM3 Million Seized from AGA Touch Not Proven to be from Illegal Activities

The High Court dismissed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) application to forfeit RM3 million from AGA Touch (M) Sdn Bhd, as the commission failed to prove the funds originated from unlawful activities. AGA Touch had acknowledged receiving the sum from Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in 2014, but argued it was payment for services rendered to Umno. The company further stated that the RM3 million had been spent, and any funds remaining in their account in May 2018 were from other sources.
MACC Failed to Establish Unlawful Origin of Funds

High Court Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin ruled that the MACC did not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the RM3 million seized from AGA Touch constituted proceeds from illegal activities. While AGA Touch admitted to receiving the funds from Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in 2014, they presented a counter-argument that this was a legitimate payment for services provided to Umno. This contention, coupled with the assertion that the money had been spent and subsequent funds were from different origins, led to the dismissal of the forfeiture bid.
AGA Touch's Defence Regarding Fund Usage

AGA Touch (M) Sdn Bhd maintained that the RM3 million received in 2014 had already been disbursed for its services to Umno. The company further clarified that the balance found in its account in May 2018, which was the subject of the seizure, comprised funds derived from sources unrelated to the initial RM3 million. This distinction was crucial in the court's assessment of the MACC's claim.
Court's Decision and Prosecution's Appeal

Following the High Court's decision to dismiss the forfeiture application, the prosecution indicated its intention to appeal the ruling. An oral application for an interim stay of the decision pending the appeal was denied by Justice Muhammad Jamil. The judge directed the prosecution to file a formal written application for a temporary stay of the ruling to the Court of Appeal. Lawyers for AGA Touch stated they would soon request the release of the RM3 million, as the account had been frozen for over two years.

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Was the RM3 million seized from AGA Touch proven to be from illegal activities?

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