Why was the money trail affidavit in the 1MDB forfeiture suit struck out?

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The money trail affidavit in the 1MDB forfeiture suit was struck out due to its prejudicial nature and improper filing.

The High Court ruled that the affidavit, filed by the prosecution during the submission stage of the RM114 million 1MDB-linked forfeiture suit, would cause prejudice to third-party claimants, specifically Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Umno. Consequently, the judge declared that the affidavit could not be used and would not be considered in support of the government's application to forfeit the assets.
Affidavit Filed Prejudicially During Submission Stage

The High Court judge, Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin, allowed the applications by lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, representing Najib Razak, and Datuk Hariharan Tara Singh, representing Umno, to strike out the affidavit. The ruling highlighted that the affidavit was submitted after all other affidavits had been filed and without obtaining the court's leave, thus violating procedural norms. This timing was deemed to unfairly disadvantage the third-party claimants.
Crucial Affidavit Deemed Inadmissible

The affidavit in question was considered crucial to the prosecution's case against Obyu Holdings Sdn Bhd, which is linked to the 1MDB scandal. The prosecution had intended to use it to argue that Umno maintained a secret, unaudited account for political donations, an act they contended contravened the Societies Act 1966. However, the court's decision to strike it out renders this line of argument unsupported by the inadmissible evidence.
Forfeiture Application Targets Substantial Assets

The forfeiture application targets a significant amount of RM114,164,393.44 in cash, along with seized jewellery, watches, eyewear, and handbags. These items were confiscated from premises owned by Obyu Holdings Sdn Bhd, a company owned by Tan Sri Bustari Yusof, who is reportedly a close associate of Najib Razak. The authorities seized these assets on the grounds of their alleged connection to the 1MDB fund scandal.
Multiple Third-Party Claimants Involved

Beyond Najib Razak and Umno, other parties have emerged as third-party claimants seeking to assert their rights in the forfeiture suit. These include Najib's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and a Lebanese jeweller named Global Royalty Trading SAL. The involvement of these multiple claimants underscores the complex nature of the legal proceedings surrounding the seized assets.

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Why was the money trail affidavit in the 1MDB forfeiture suit struck out?

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