Kuala lumpur: The High Court ordered Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor to pay RM67.5 million to Lebanon-based jeweller Global Royalty Trading SAL for the loss of 43 pieces of jewellery. This payment must be made within one month.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Judge Datuk Quay Chew Soon delivered the verdict after allowing a lawsuit filed by Global Royalty against Rosmah. The court also mandated Rosmah, the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, to pay costs of RM75,000 each to Global Royalty and third parties, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Malaysian Government.
On March 29, 2023, Global Royalty initiated legal action against Rosmah, accusing her of falsely stating that 44 pieces of jewellery, such as diamond necklaces, bracelets, and tiaras sent by the company's agent, were seized by Malaysian authorities under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. The company argued that only one piece was retained by the police, while the other 43 pieces were missing.
The court's decision, delivered via Zoom, required Rosmah to pay RM67,461,027.37, with interest at five percent per annum from the judgment date until full settlement. Rosmah's claim for indemnity against third parties was denied.
Justice Quay highlighted that Rosmah failed to fulfill her obligations as a bailee, as the non-return of the jewellery indicated negligence. He stated that Global Royalty was not required to prove how the jewellery disappeared while in Rosmah's custody.
The judge noted that Rosmah could not rely on the police raid or her bodyguards' handling of the bags to dismiss her legal responsibility as a bailee. Rosmah needed to provide evidence of what happened to the jewellery and that its loss was not due to her negligence. However, she failed to do so.
Rosmah's consistent claim that the jewellery was delivered for viewing and publicity purposes was not enough to absolve her. Justice Quay observed that despite claims of police seizure during the 2018 raid, only one piece was identified during the forfeiture proceeding and returned to the plaintiff; there was no proof that the remaining jewellery was ever seized by the police.
A significant weakness in Rosmah's defense was her failure to call key witnesses involved in handling and safeguarding the jewellery. She relied on unnamed individuals to explain the jewellery's movement and security but did not call any of them to testify.
Lawyer Datuk David Gurupatham represented Global Royalty, while Rosmah was defended by counsel Rajivan Nambiar. Senior Federal Counsel Liew Horng Bin acted for the IGP and the government. Rosmah's legal team, led by Rajivan, indicated plans to appeal and apply for a stay on the court's decision.