Rosmah Mansor Succeeds in Getting Judge to Step Aside in 1MDB's RM1.6B Lawsuit*

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 — Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has successfully convinced a High Court judge to recuse himself from hearing 1MDB's civil suit against her, citing a potential conflict of interest. The lawsuit, which seeks over US$346 million (RM1.6 billion) in luxury goods purchased with misappropriated 1MDB funds, will now be heard by another judge.

The judge, Leong Wai Hong, agreed to step down after Rosmah argued that his previous role at law firm Messrs Skrine, which had represented 1MDB, could compromise the case's impartiality. Justice, he said, must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.

In the suit, 1MDB and 10 other companies are seeking the return of luxury items bought by Rosmah, along with damages totaling US$350 million, or an amount to be determined by the court. Rosmah and co-defendant Shabnam Naraindas Daswani, who allegedly facilitated the purchases, are named in the lawsuit.