KUALA LUMPUR: Global Royalty Trading SAL founder Samer Halimeh said he felt vindicated after the High Court ordered Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor to pay RM67.5 million in damages over a jewellery dispute.
Describing the decision as the culmination of an arduous eight-year legal struggle, the 51-year-old Lebanese businessman said the judgment reaffirmed his confidence in Malaysia’s judicial system.
“I am pleased with the outcome. The Malaysian courts have shown again that they are independent.
“The judgment was very clear. I feel vindicated.”
Halimeh said the company had faced challenges throughout the litigation process, including allegations that its claim was fabricated and attacks on his personal credibility.
“It took eight years to get to this result, with many hurdles, including negative social media campaigns by certain quarters claiming that the company and the claim were fake.
“There were also challenges to my credibility. Therefore, I feel vindicated.”
On Wednesday, High Court judge Datuk Quay Chew Soon ordered Rosmah to pay RM67,461,027.37 within a month after finding her liable for failing to return 43 pieces of luxury jewellery supplied on a consignment basis.
Under Malaysian law, a judgment creditor may first seek enforcement through measures such as seizure and sale proceedings, garnishee actions and judgment debtor examinations before resorting to bankruptcy proceedings.
The suit centred on 44 pieces of luxury jewellery worth US$14.57 million (about RM68.3 million), which Global Royalty said were supplied to Rosmah in 2018 on a consignment basis for viewing.
The company claimed that the jewellery remained its property and was never returned, prompting the suit for compensation.
Only one item — a diamond and emerald bracelet — was recovered and returned to the jeweller following forfeiture proceedings, leaving 43 pieces unaccounted for.
Halimeh expressed gratitude to his legal team, led by Datuk David Gurupatham and Venothani Raja-gopal, for its commitment.
“My family and I would like to thank my lawyers for their amazing, unwavering and efforts all these years.
“Not many people believed I would get justice in Malaysia. Justice has prevailed.”
Halimeh said he hoped the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak would settle the amount so that the matter could finally be settled.
Earlier, David said his client would pursue all legal avenues to recover the RM67.5 million High Court award against Rosmah, including bankruptcy proceedings as a last resort.
Sourced by: NST
