Mareva Injunction
Mareva Injunction
749
25/09/2024 15:43:58
BETWEEN
AND
1
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
11. ABD. HADI BIN ABD. MAJID
(NRIC NO.: 501001-04-5493)
12. TUNKU MAZLINA BINTI TUNKU ABD
AZIZ
(NRIC NO.: 740919-05-5124)
13. RANJEET SINGH SIDHU
(NRIC NO.: 700201-03-5371)
14. NOORUSA’ADAH BINTI OTHMAN
(NRIC NO.: 690418-10-5274)
15. PANEAGLE HOLDINGS BERHAD
(COMPANY NO.: 199601028840
(401192-M))
16. PANEAGLE SDN. BHD.
(COMPANY NO.: 199401021754
(307433-W))
17. VCB INVESTMENT BERHAD
(COMPANY NO.: 201001024441
(908237-M))
18. OPEN FIBRE SDN. BHD.
(COMPANY NO.: 200701025088
(783109-M))
19. PRIMAWIN LIMITED (COMPANY NO.:
1017308)
20. CHINA FINANCE LIMITED
(COMPANY NO.: 38227)
21. HADRON EQUITIES LIMITED
(FORMERLY KNOWN AS ARAB
EMIRATES CAPITAL LIMITED)
(COMPANY NO.: 1486558)
22. ORIENT TELECOMS SDN. BHD.
(COMPANY NO.: 201801000440
(1262453-T))
23. SILVER RIDGE HOLDINGS BHD.
(COMPANY NO.: 200401029277
(667785-W))
24. BVS TRINITY SDN. BHD.
(COMPANY NO.: 199901017411
2
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
(492311-W))
25. VCB MALAYSIA BHD.
(COMPANY NO.: 199901018565
(493465-A))
26. ZAVARCO PLC
(ENGLAND AND WALES COMPANY
NO.: 07687158)
27. SILVER RIDGE SDN BHD
(COMPANY NO.: 199201020641
(252145-U))
28. IZLIN BINTI ISMAIL
(NRIC NO.: 720526-02-5030)
(as joint administrators of the estate
of MOHD ZAFER MOHD HASHIM
(NRIC NO.: 720704-71-5115))
29. MUHAMMAD RADZI BIN MOHD
ZAFER
(NRIC NO.: 970814-87-5015)
(as joint administrators of the estate
of MOHD ZAFER MOHD HASHIM
(NRIC NO.: 720704-71-5115))
30. ZAKARIA BIN SAAD
(NRIC NO.: 570818-07-5565) ...DEFENDANTS
JUDGMENT
3
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
contentions of bribery, breach of fiduciary duties, and the
unlawful diversion of funds to various corporate entities and
individuals. The case involves numerous defendants,
including corporate bodies and individuals, who are alleged
to have played various roles in the fraudulent activities. The
plaintiff seeks to recover significant sums through several
legal actions, including applications for Mareva Injunctions
to freeze the assets of various defendants. This judgment
addresses multiple applications, including requests for
Mareva Injunctions, attempts to set aside previously granted
ex parte orders, and the court's assessment of whether
there exists a good arguable case and a real risk of asset
dissipation for each defendant. The matter is further
complicated by its international scope, with allegations of
funds being transferred across multiple jurisdictions, and the
significant time that has elapsed since the initial loan
disbursement.
Background facts
4
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
and floating debenture over all assets of Aries, a corporate
guarantee by Zavarco Berhad dated 28.6.2012, and a
personal guarantee by Zulisman bin Zainal Abidin dated
17.4.2017.
5
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
action in Kuala Lumpur High Court Suit No. WA-22NCC-
313-07/2018 (“Suit 313”).
6
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
against the said defendants in Enclosure 106, the Amended
Notice of Application.
7
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
President I and Head of Business Banking I of the Plaintiff.
Specifically, he is alleged to have improperly waived loan
conditions, facilitated the appointment of an unregistered
independent checking engineer, and being involved in a
fraudulent scheme that resulted in significant financial
losses for the Plaintiff. On 3.1.2023, the Plaintiff filed its Re-
Amended Writ and Amended Statement of Claim.
[17] In this judgment, I will use the following references for each
defendant when referred to individually:
8
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Shailen a/l Popatlal (2nd “Shailen”
Defendant)
Wan Alias bin Wan Ngah “Wan Alias”
(3rd Defendant)
Roslina binti Ibrahim (4th “Roslina”
Defendant)
Abdul Wahid bin Abdul “Abdul Wahid”
Ghani (5th Defendant)
Mohd Radzi bin Mohamed “Mohd Radzi”
(6th Defendant)
Muhammad Shazhakim bin “Shazhakim”
Shasarul Hisham (7th
Defendant)
Shasa Arina binti Shasarul “Shasa”
Hisham (8th Defendant)
Mustafa Ali Zaminali Sayed “Mustafa Ali”
(9th Defendant)
Wong Chee Keong (10th “Wong”
Defendant)
Abd. Hadi bin Abd. Majid “Abd. Hadi”
(11th Defendant)
Tunku Mazlina binti Tunku “Tunku Mazlina”
Abd Asis (12th Defendant)
Ranjeet Singh Sidhu (13th “Ranjeet”
Defendant)
Noorusa'adah binti Othman “Adah”
(14th Defendant)
9
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Paneagle Holdings Berhad “Paneagle Holdings”
(15th Defendant)
Paneagle Sdn. Bhd. (16th “Paneagle”
Defendant)
VCB Investment Berhad “VCB Investment”
(17th Defendant)
Open Fibre Sdn. Bhd. (18th “Open Fibre”
Defendant)
Primawin Limited (19th “Primawin”
Defendant)
China Finance Limited (20th “China Finance”
Defendant)
Hadron Equities Limited “Hadron Equities”
(formerly known as Arab
Emirates Capital Limited)
(21st Defendant)
Orient Telecoms Sdn. Bhd. “Orient Telecoms”
(22nd Defendant)
Silver Ridge Holdings Bhd. “Silver Ridge Holdings”
(23rd Defendant)
BVS Trinity Sdn. Bhd. (24th “BVS Trinity”
Defendant)
VCB Malaysia Bhd. (25th “VCB Malaysia”
Defendant)
Zavarco PLC (26th “Zavarco PLC”
Defendant)
Silver Ridge Sdn Bhd (27th “Silver Ridge”
Defendant)
10
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Izlin binti Ismail (28th “Izlin”
Defendant)
Muhammad Radzi bin Mohd “Radzi Zafer”
Zafer (29th Defendant)
Zakari bin Saad (30th “Zakaria”
Defendant
[19] The Plaintiff alleges that the Loan was obtained fraudulently
through a series of misrepresentations about Aries' financial
status, capabilities, and intended use of the funds. The key
allegations include:
11
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
b) The original turnkey contractor for the Project,
Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd (“Huawei”), China,
was unilaterally replaced with Paneagle Holdings,
without the Plaintiff's full knowledge, consent, or
approval. This replacement was allegedly done to
facilitate the siphoning of funds.
12
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
new company, Orient Telecoms, to avoid repayment
of the Loan.
[22] The Plaintiff alleges that Shailen was the shadow director of
Aries and instrumental in the Alleged Fraud Scheme.
Similarly, Roslina is alleged to have been the controlling
mind of several key companies involved in the fraud.
13
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
verification reports contained substantial misrepresentations
about the progress of the Project.
a) Declarations:
14
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
b) Monetary Judgments:
15
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
h) Similar declarations, judgments, and accounts of
profits are sought against various corporate
defendants and their directors/shareholders,
including Paneagle Holdings, Orient Telecoms, Silver
Ridge Holdings, BVS Trinity, Zavarco PLC, Open
Fibre and VCB Investment.
ENCLOSURE 106
16
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
sought to remain in place until the resolution of the Plaintiff’s
claims or further order by the court.
17
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Analysis and findings of the court
2nd, 3rd, 5th, 12th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th and 26th Defendants
[29] The Plaintiff relies on the case of Biasamas Sdn Bhd & Ors
v Kan Yan Heng & Anor [1998] 4 CLJ 754 (Court of Appeal)
to contend that it does not need to demonstrate a prima
facie case but only a case that is more than merely
arguable.
[30] In response, the said defendants argue that the Plaintiff has
failed to sufficiently particularise the alleged fraudulent acts,
18
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
contending that the Plaintiff’s case consists of general
conspiracy allegations without specificity. They argue that
there is no privity of contract between the Plaintiff and the
said defendants and rely on the case of Kuan Pek Seng @
Alan Kuan v Robert Doran & Ors [2013] 2 MLJ 174 (Federal
Court) to support their assertion that vague allegations do
not meet the threshold for a good arguable case.
19
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[32] The Plaintiff also points to additional correspondence
involving Shailen, where he directed payments to entities
unrelated to the Project. These payments, according to the
Plaintiff, were authorised without the necessary disclosures
or approvals, raising concerns about the misuse of Loan
funds. Specifically, the Plaintiff highlights financial records
showing that funds were transferred to companies such as
Paneagle Holdings and Open Fibre, without evidence of any
corresponding work or legitimate services provided. The
Plaintiff argues that these transactions support its claim of a
coordinated effort to divert the Loan funds away from their
intended purpose.
20
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
transactions also raise issues that are arguable, though not
definitively proven at this stage. The Plaintiff contends that
these defendants played various roles in facilitating the
alleged conspiracy, specifically in transactions where funds
intended for the development of a fibre optic network were
misappropriated or redirected for purposes unrelated to the
Project.
[36] In the case of Abdul Wahid and Tunku Mazlina, the Plaintiff
alleges that these individuals, as directors or key figures in
Aries and Zavarco Berhad, were directly involved in
authorising or facilitating questionable financial dealings that
led to the dissipation of funds. The Plaintiff points to
instances where these individuals approved transactions or
entered into agreements that ultimately allowed assets and
21
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
funds to be transferred out of Aries and into companies
controlled by the alleged conspirators. For example, the
Plaintiff refers to a novation agreement between Aries and
Zavarco Berhad, which it claims was used to transfer
valuable assets without any legitimate business rationale.
This novation, the Plaintiff argues, was part of a broader
scheme to strip Aries of its assets and frustrate the
Plaintiff’s efforts to recover the loaned amounts.
22
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[39] In conclusion, while the Plaintiff has presented a good
arguable case for the purposes of this application, the
evidence does not rise to the level of establishing any
definitive wrongdoing that would indicate an imminent risk of
asset dissipation. This will require further factual
development at trial, but the threshold for a good arguable
case is nonetheless satisfied at this interlocutory stage.
[41] The said defendants submit that the Plaintiff has failed to
establish a real risk of dissipation of assets, which is a
critical requirement for a Mareva Injunction. The said
defendants argue that the Plaintiff's evidence is speculative,
unsupported by verifiable facts, and based on outdated
23
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
transactions that are unrelated to the alleged conspiracy
from 2012. They also highlight that many of their assets
remain under financial oversight, and there is no
demonstrated intention or history of asset dissipation. The
said defendants further emphasise that the Plaintiff’s delay
in seeking the injunction, coupled with the lack of concrete
evidence, substantially weakens the claim of any imminent
risk.
24
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[44] However, the evidential weight of these claims appears
compromised by the R&M's own admission that it did not
contact or seek verification from Aries' directors or auditors,
such as UHY Chartered Accountants, regarding the
legitimacy of these payments. This critical omission,
whereby the R&M chose not to investigate further by
requesting supporting documents or clarifications from
those directly involved, significantly undermines the
reliability of the allegations. The R&M's position reflects a
deliberate decision to avoid alerting the said defendants
during their investigation, which the said defendants argue
indicates a one-sided approach that fails to provide a full
and balanced view of the transactions.
25
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
alleged conspiracy tied to the Loan, but this claim is
tenuous. The Plaintiff references suspicious payments
made in 2016 and 2018, such as the RM25 million
transferred to Rothschild Capital (I) Sdn Bhd (“Rothschild
Capital”) in 2012, and a subsequent series of transactions
totaling millions that allegedly siphoned funds from Aries.
However, the Plaintiff fails to explain how these later
transactions, years after the alleged conspiracy in 2012,
could directly link to the dissipation of assets stemming from
the Loan. Specifically, the gap between the alleged
misconduct surrounding the Loan disbursement and the
later transactions significantly weakens the claim that they
form part of the same scheme.
[47] Moreover, the said defendants pointed out that much of the
Plaintiff's argument relies on delayed action. They
emphasise that the Plaintiff did not seek a Mareva
Injunction until 2022, despite the fact that the transactions in
question occurred several years prior. This delay suggests
a lack of genuine urgency or belief that the assets were at
immediate risk of dissipation. The Plaintiff has not
adequately explained why such a delay occurred if there
was indeed a real risk that the said defendants would
dissipate assets to frustrate a judgment.
26
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
on the necessity of injunctive relief in the present
circumstances.
27
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
evidence to contradict these reports or show any recent
dissipation attempts.
[53] The Plaintiff contends that the complexity of the case and
the scale of the Alleged Fraud Scheme justified this delay,
yet no detailed or compelling reasons have been offered to
substantiate this claim. The Plaintiff's failure to act promptly
suggests that the urgency and immediacy required for
Mareva relief were absent. As highlighted by the said
defendants, the Plaintiff’s lack of action immediately
following the R&M’s investigation undermines its assertion
28
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
that there was a genuine and imminent fear that the said
defendants would dissipate assets. In cases like these, the
passage of time without any attempt to secure assets
diminishes the credibility of the claim that such dissipation
was ever a real risk.
29
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[56] Similarly, in Lee Kai Wuen & Anor v Lee Yee Wuen [2022] 7
CLJ 505, the Court of Appeal emphasised that allegations
of dishonesty do not dispense with the need to provide
concrete evidence of a risk of dissipation. In that case, the
said defendants had allegedly misappropriated funds, but
the payments were documented, and there was no
evidence of concealment or any attempt to dissipate assets
to defeat a judgment.
30
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[59] Having carefully considered parties' submissions, I
conclude that the necessary ingredient of establishing real
risk of asset dissipation to ground a Mareva Injunction has
not been satisfied. Equity demands I exercise caution
before imposing far-reaching worldwide asset injunctions
absent compelling grounds shown to exist.
10th Defendant
31
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
overwhelming likelihood of success but whether there is a
reasonable prospect that the Plaintiff may obtain judgment
at trial. As established in Biasamas Sdn Bhd & Ors v Kan
Yan Hing & Anor [supra], the Plaintiff need only
demonstrate a fair chance of success based on the
available evidence, not a strong prima facie case.
32
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
role as a director and his involvement in the formal process
of appointing Silver Ridge as ICE.
33
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
definitive case of fraud at this interlocutory stage. The
Plaintiff succeeds on this issue.
Risk of dissipation
[68] The Plaintiff submits that Wong poses a real risk of asset
dissipation, given his frequent travel abroad, which could
undermine any potential judgment. Despite Wong's
assertions, the Plaintiff argues that it is necessary to freeze
his assets through a Mareva Injunction to ensure that any
judgment would be enforceable. The Plaintiff contends that
mere undertakings by Wong not to withdraw more than
RM30,000 monthly from his bank accounts are insufficient
to eliminate the risk, as there is no concrete evidence of
Wong’s assets within the jurisdiction, and his movements
raise concerns about the potential dissipation of assets
beyond the court’s reach. The Plaintiff maintains that a
Mareva Injunction is essential to prevent Wong from
frustrating the court’s eventual judgment.
[69] Wong submits that the Plaintiff has failed to provide any
solid evidence that he possesses assets within the
jurisdiction or that there is any real risk of asset dissipation.
He argues that his foreign travel does not constitute
sufficient grounds to suggest he would remove assets to
frustrate a judgment. Additionally, Wong has voluntarily
undertaken not to withdraw more than RM30,000 monthly
from his bank accounts without prior consent from the court,
effectively addressing the Plaintiff’s concerns. Wong
34
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
maintains that this voluntary restriction on his financial
activities demonstrates his good faith and removes the
necessity of a Mareva Injunction, asserting that the balance
of convenience lies in dismissing the Plaintiff’s application.
35
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
submissions emphasise that he did not receive any funds
from the Loan disbursed to Aries, and there is no
documentation or correspondence presented by the Plaintiff
that would contradict this position. Additionally, Wong was
not a beneficiary of any contractual arrangement with the
Plaintiff or Aries, further distancing him from any personal
involvement in the financial aspects of the Project. The
appointment of Silver Ridge as ICE, as per the Plaintiff’s
internal memo dated 18.7.2012, was purely professional,
and Wong’s actions remained within his corporate
responsibilities, with no evidence of impropriety or personal
gain.
36
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[74] Furthermore, Wong has consistently maintained that he
does not possess any assets within the jurisdiction that
would be subject to the Mareva Injunction, and the Plaintiff
has not offered any credible evidence to refute this. The
submissions point out that, under established legal
principles, mere assertions or speculative claims regarding
a defendant's foreign travel are insufficient to meet the
threshold required for proving a real risk of dissipation. As
highlighted by Wong’s counsel, the Plaintiff must
demonstrate this risk by presenting solid evidence, rather
than relying on bare allegations of travel abroad. In this
case, the Plaintiff has failed to provide such evidence, and
there is no indication that Wong has engaged in any
activities that would raise concerns about the potential
dissipation of assets.
37
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[76] The submissions further note that this undertaking serves to
strike a balance between the Plaintiff’s concerns about
asset dissipation and Wong's need to conduct normal
financial activities. As such, the balance of convenience
heavily favors dismissing Enclosure 106 against Wong. The
court should consider that the Plaintiff has not produced
sufficient evidence to suggest any immediate risk of asset
dissipation that would warrant the imposition of a Mareva
Injunction. Given Wong’s undertaking, the likelihood of harm
to the Plaintiff, if any, has been effectively neutralised.
Wong's actions demonstrate good faith and compliance with
the court’s processes, and the imposition of a more
restrictive order, such as the Mareva Injunction, would be
both unnecessary and disproportionate in the
circumstances.
4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 22nd, 24th and 25th Defendants
38
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
and VCB Malaysia) is justified based on its claim of
conspiracy and fraudulent actions allegedly carried out by
the said Defendants. The Plaintiff argues that these
Defendants, acting in concert, were involved in the
siphoning of funds from the Loan granted by the Plaintiff to
Aries, transferring assets to related entities, including Orient
Telecoms, to undermine the Plaintiff’s recovery efforts. The
Plaintiff supports its claims with affidavits, bank records, and
company documents, which, it contends, show the
involvement of the said defendants in the Alleged Fraud
Scheme.
39
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[81] Having reviewed the evidence and submissions, I find that
the Plaintiff has presented sufficient material to meet the
threshold for a good arguable case against the said
defendants. However, while the Plaintiff has submitted
detailed financial records, correspondence, and affidavits
pointing to a potential conspiracy, it is crucial to note that
this finding is preliminary and must be approached with
caution. For instance, while the Plaintiff alleges that RM25
million was transferred to Rothschild Capital in a suspicious
transaction, there is still room for the Defendants to provide
legitimate explanations at a later stage.
40
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
definitive conclusions about the defendants' involvement in
fraudulent activities. The evidence presented warrants the
case being pursued, but this conclusion must be viewed
within the context of the Plaintiff’s burden to demonstrate
solid grounds for asset dissipation, which will be addressed
separately below.
Risk of dissipation
[85] The Plaintiff submits that there is a real and credible risk of
dissipation by the said defendants due to their involvement
in a fraudulent scheme, specifically the Alleged Fraud
Scheme, which led to the siphoning of funds from the Loan.
The Plaintiff argues that the said defendants have engaged
in dishonest activities, including transferring funds between
related companies and issuing payments without legitimate
commercial purposes. The Plaintiff contends that these
actions demonstrate an intent to dissipate assets, thus
justifying the need for Mareva relief. The Plaintiff asserts
that despite the absence of direct evidence, the fraudulent
nature of the said defendants’ conduct provides a strong
inference of a risk of dissipation, which meets the necessary
threshold for Mareva Injunctions to be granted.
[86] The said defendants submit that the Plaintiff has failed to
meet the high evidentiary threshold required to establish a
real risk of dissipation. They argue that the Plaintiff’s
reliance on unproven allegations of fraud and dishonesty is
insufficient at this interlocutory stage. The said defendants
41
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
provide legitimate commercial explanations for the
transactions in question, such as the repayment of prior
advances and payments for consultancy services. They
emphasise that there is no direct evidence linking the
payments they received to any intent to dissipate assets or
avoid legal liabilities. The said defendants further assert that
Malaysian and international jurisprudence require solid
evidence of dissipation risk, separate from unsubstantiated
claims of dishonesty, which the Plaintiff has failed to
provide.
42
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
the jurisdiction. Furthermore, it is submitted that these
corporate entities have shown no historical patterns of
removing or attempting to remove assets outside Malaysia,
thus negating the presumption of asset dissipation. The
Plaintiff has not demonstrated any historical or current
attempts by the said defendants to remove assets from the
jurisdiction, as would be required to meet the threshold of
showing a real risk of dissipation, let alone the near
certainty of dissipation. The fact that these substantial
assets are still within the country contradicts the Plaintiff
claims, as there is no evidence of an immediate or credible
risk of dissipation, and this court should not grant a Mareva
Injunction based on mere conjecture and unproven
allegations.
43
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Furthermore, the payment of RM400,000 to VCB Malaysia
was for consultancy services rendered to Aries, including
corporate finance services such as the preparation of cash
flows, market research, and documentation, as evidenced
by an invoice exhibited by the said defendants. These
transactions were explained through detailed affidavits and
accompanying documentation, directly refuting the Plaintiff’s
claims of asset dissipation without any supporting evidence
of dishonesty or fraudulent activity.
44
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Singapore Court of Appeal cautioned against treating
allegations of dishonesty made at the interlocutory stage as
if they had already been proven. The court specifically
noted that such allegations could be refuted later and
should not form the sole basis for granting Mareva relief.
Similarly, in Malaysian jurisprudence, cases such as All
Kurma Sdn Bhd and PH 385 Sdn Bhd v JPS Holdings Sdn
Bhd & Ors [2020] MLJU 1370 (High Court) have
underscored the necessity of a thorough and independent
assessment of the risk of dissipation, divorced from
unproven claims of dishonesty or fraud. As was held in All
Kurma, the mere assertion of dishonesty, absent solid
evidence of a real risk, is insufficient for a court to grant a
Mareva Injunction. This requirement for clear, objective
evidence is a consistent theme in both local and
international jurisprudence, and it applies squarely to the
present case.
45
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[93] Therefore, I find that the Plaintiff has not fulfilled the
requirement of demonstrating a real risk of dissipation of
assets. While the Plaintiff may potentially have a reasonably
arguable case on the merits, that does not relieve the
Plaintiff of having to independently establish the separate
prerequisite of a real risk of asset dissipation on sufficiently
solid evidence. For the foregoing reasons, the application
for a Mareva Injunction is dismissed. Costs of RM40,000.00
are to be paid by the Plaintiff to these defendants.
19th Defendant
46
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
case that is so strong as to warrant summary judgment, nor
is it required to establish that it has a better than 50%
chance of success. Rather, the threshold is that the Plaintiff
must demonstrate that its case is more than barely capable
of serious argument.
47
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
fraudulent arrangement. The Plaintiff points to the lack of
any legitimate consideration or value in return for these
transfers, further asserting that Primawin’s involvement was
integral to the conspiracy to defraud the Plaintiff. By
showing the direct flow of funds from Aries to Primawin, the
Plaintiff contends that Primawin knowingly received and
benefited from the misappropriated Loan Sum. This tracing
of the funds forms a critical part of the Plaintiff's case,
aiming to establish that Primawin was not merely a passive
recipient but an active participant in the Alleged Fraud
Scheme.
[98] Primawin, on the other hand, has argued that the Plaintiff
has failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish a nexus
between the Loan Sum and the monies received by
Primawin. However, as the Plaintiff correctly submits, issues
of fraud and conspiracy are best adjudicated at trial, where
evidence can be led and tested through cross-examination.
At this stage, it is not necessary for the Plaintiff to prove its
case to the fullest extent, but rather to demonstrate that
there is a fair chance it will succeed.
[99] Primawin relies on the case of Menk Sdn Bhd v Joerg Hugo
Schmidt [2009] 3 MLJ 205 (Court of Appeal) to support its
contention that the Plaintiff has failed to establish a good
arguable case. However, this authority is distinguishable. In
Menk, the Court of Appeal set aside a Mareva Order due to
a misdirection by the High Court and the failure to assess
the applicant's chances of success. There was no finding by
48
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
the Court of Appeal on whether the applicant had a good
arguable case.
[102] For the reasons outlined above, I find that the Plaintiff has
established a good arguable case against Primawin.
Accordingly, the threshold requirement for the granting of a
Mareva Injunction is satisfied in this respect. However, this
finding is limited to the issue of whether there is a good
arguable case, and no determination is made at this stage
regarding the risk of dissipation of assets, which remains to
be addressed below.
49
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Risk of dissipation
[104] Primawin submits that the Plaintiff has failed to provide any
concrete evidence demonstrating a lack of probity or
dishonesty on the part of Primawin. It argues that the
Plaintiff's case relies heavily on unsubstantiated links
between Primawin and other defendants, without providing
independent evidence of wrongdoing by Primawin itself.
Primawin emphasises that it has fully complied with the
court’s order in Enclosure 35 by disclosing all of its assets
transparently, including details of its HSBC bank account
and significant shares held within the jurisdiction. This
transparency, they contend, undermines the Plaintiff’s
allegations of a risk of asset dissipation and demonstrates
50
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Primawin’s good faith and willingness to comply with the
legal process.
[106] In the present case, the Plaintiff has not brought forward
substantial evidence to demonstrate that Primawin has
initiated or is likely to initiate any steps to dissipate its
assets. From the Plaintiff's submissions, it is clear that the
allegations of dissipation are heavily reliant on accusations
made against other defendants in the suit, specifically
Shailen. The Plaintiff attempts to draw a connection
between Primawin and the alleged misconduct of these
other defendants, particularly Shailen, to support its claim of
a risk of asset dissipation by Primawin. However, this
argument is not convincing when subjected to closer
scrutiny.
51
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
the conduct of Primawin must be evaluated independently
of other defendants. The Court of Appeal in Ang Chee Huat
v Thomas Joseph Engelbach [1995] 2 CLJ 893 firmly
established that the conduct of the defendant in question
must be directly assessed to justify a Mareva Injunction. A
mere association or connection with other defendants
cannot be the sole basis for the injunction.
52
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
there must be cogent evidence pointing to a lack of probity
on the part of the defendant. Lack of probity, in this context,
refers to dishonesty or conduct that indicates a real risk that
the defendant may dissipate their assets to evade
enforcement of a judgment. The courts have consistently
held that the burden lies with the Plaintiff to provide
evidence that demonstrates such a lack of probity. In this
case, however, the Plaintiff has not successfully met this
burden with respect to Primawin.
53
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Primawin is attempting to shield or hide its assets from
potential enforcement actions. The affidavit demonstrates
Primawin’s financial position and willingness to adhere to
legal procedures, thereby countering the Plaintiff’s
allegations of dishonesty.
54
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
evidence that Primawin poses a real risk of dissipating
assets. The assertions made by the Plaintiff do not meet the
threshold required for the imposition of a Mareva Injunction.
Primawin has shown itself to be forthcoming in its disclosure
of assets, thereby countering the claims of potential asset
dissipation. As such, the court finds that the application for a
Mareva Injunction against Primawin by the Plaintiff under
Enclosure 106 is not supported by sufficient evidence of a
risk of asset dissipation and is therefore dismissed. Costs of
RM40,000.00 are to be paid by the Plaintiff to the 19th
Defendant, Primawin.
55
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[116] Silver Ridge Holdings and Silver Ridge, on the other hand,
contend that the Plaintiff has no arguable case against
them. They argue that srhwas not involved in the Project in
any substantial manner and was only named by virtue of
being the holding company of Silver Ridge. Moreover, they
argue that the Plaintiff’s claims are time-barred under the
Limitation Act 1953, as any alleged irregularities should
have been discovered in 2013 when the reports in question
were submitted. They also contend that any discrepancies
in the reports of Silver Ridge were acknowledged by the
Plaintiff at the time of submission, and no complaints were
raised until nearly a decade later. Furthermore, the said
defendants assert that the Plaintiff’s claim is an improper
attempt to use the court to recover for its own wrongdoings,
invoking the principle of ex turpi causa.
[118] Upon review of the evidence, it is clear that the Plaintiff has
met this threshold. The findings of the R&M, which only
came to light in 2020, point to discrepancies and
irregularities in the reports prepared by Silver Ridge in
56
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
relation to the Project. The Plaintiff has produced
substantial evidence, including the affidavits of the R&M
and supporting documents, which demonstrate that there
were omissions and inaccuracies in the reports submitted
by Silver Ridge. Although the said defendants argue that
these discrepancies should have been discovered earlier,
the evidence shows that the irregularities were not apparent
until the detailed investigations conducted by the R&M. This
supports the Plaintiff’s position that it could not have
reasonably discovered the alleged wrongdoing earlier, thus
countering the said defendants’ limitation argument.
57
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Plaintiff is seeking to recover for losses caused by the said
defendants’ alleged fraud, as established in Bilta (UK) Ltd
(in liquidation) v Nasir [2015] 2 All ER 1083 (UK Supreme
Court).
Risk of dissipation
[122] The Plaintiff submits that there is a real and present risk of
asset dissipation by Silver Ridge Holdings and Silver Ridge
based on allegations of past dishonesty and misconduct.
The Plaintiff contends that these defendants, having
engaged in questionable financial practices several years
ago, may attempt to place their assets beyond the reach of
the court to avoid satisfying any potential judgment. The
58
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Plaintiff highlights that, although these acts of dishonesty
occurred some time ago, they point to a pattern of behavior
that warrants the granting of a Mareva Injunction to prevent
any pre-emptive dissipation of assets that could frustrate
the enforcement of a final judgment.
[123] Silver Ridge Holdings and Silver Ridge submit that the
Plaintiff has failed to provide any substantive or current
evidence indicating a genuine risk of asset dissipation. They
argue that mere allegations of dishonesty from nearly a
decade ago are insufficient grounds to justify the
extraordinary relief of a Mareva Injunction. The said
defendants emphasise their ongoing compliance with court
orders, including the regular and transparent disclosure of
financial expenditures as per the Consent Order dated
17.8.2022. Furthermore, as Silver Ridge Holdings is a
publicly listed company subject to stringent regulatory
scrutiny, its financial activities are already under constant
monitoring, making any risk of hidden asset transfers or
dissipation highly unlikely.
59
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
the defendants in this action, particularly Silver Ridge
Holdings and Silver Ridge. The Plaintiff alleges that these
defendants’ past actions reflect dishonesty, thus creating a
risk of asset dissipation. However, these allegations, while
concerning, do not meet the evidentiary threshold required
to support a Mareva Injunction, as established in the
precedent of Seema Development Sdn Bhd. According to
Seema Development, allegations alone, even if serious, are
insufficient. They must be supported by concrete evidence
demonstrating a real risk of dissipation of assets. This
requirement was further emphasised in All Kurma Sdn Bhd
v Teoh Heng Tatt & Ors, where the court clarified that
general accusations of dishonesty must be proven with
substantive, credible evidence, rather than being assumed
as indicative of a future intention to dissipate assets.
60
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[127] Moreover, the conduct of Silver Ridge Holdings and Silver
Ridge, particularly in their adherence to the Consent Order
dated 17.8.2022, significantly undermines the Plaintiff’s
allegations of a risk of dissipation. According to the terms of
the Consent Order, the said defendants were permitted to
draw and expend up to RM3,000,000.00 per month for the
ordinary and proper course of their business, provided they
filed affidavits detailing their expenditures by the 28th of
each month. The affidavits on spending, consistently
submitted by the said defendants, include comprehensive
itemisation of both fixed expenditures - such as payroll,
taxes, rental, utilities, and loans - and justifiable variable
expenses, including subcontractor payments and staff
advance. This diligent and transparent monthly reporting
demonstrates The said defendants' compliance with the
court order, negating the Plaintiff’s assertions of misconduct
or concealment of assets.
61
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[129] Furthermore, the legal standing of Silver Ridge Holdings as
a public listed company on the ACE Market of Bursa
Securities subjects it to strict scrutiny and regulatory
oversight under the guidelines set by Bursa Malaysia. As a
listed entity Silver Ridge Holdings is bound by the ACE
Market Listing Requirements, which necessitate regular and
detailed disclosures of its financial performance, including
quarterly financial reports, significant transactions, and
other relevant information required by investors and
regulators. These reports are made publicly available
through Bursa Malaysia’s official platform, ensuring that
stakeholders, including the Plaintiff, have full access to the
company's financial data. This transparency in financial
reporting, mandated by the listing requirements, serves as
an added layer of security, allowing the Plaintiff to monitor
Silver Ridge Holdings’s financial activities without the need
for speculation or assumptions regarding asset dissipation.
62
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
further reducing any perceived risk of the said defendants
attempting to frustrate potential judgment enforcement.
[131] Given that these financial statements must comply with both
Bursa Malaysia regulations and the Malaysian Accounting
Standards Board, the likelihood of these defendants
engaging in activities that would dissipate assets without
detection is significantly minimised. Moreover, the Plaintiff
has not provided any substantive evidence to suggest that
these publicly available reports have been manipulated or
are inaccurate, reinforcing the conclusion that there is no
real risk of asset dissipation based on the available financial
data.
63
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
it should not be granted lightly or based merely on
accusations without substantial backing.
64
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
the courts cautioned against relying solely on unproven
allegations or historical misconduct. The Plaintiff must
provide compelling, objective evidence that the said
defendants are actively transferring or concealing assets in
a manner that would impede judgment enforcement. This
court must assess the evidence before it independently and
rigorously to determine whether there is a real and
immediate risk of asset dissipation, not just a speculative or
theoretical one. In this case, such evidence is lacking.
65
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Administrators”), who are joint administrators of Zafer’s
estate in relation to its claim arising from the Alleged Fraud
Scheme involving the Loan. The Plaintiff asserts that it has
a good arguable case against the Administrators, based on
the conduct of Zafer, which purportedly facilitated the fraud
and led to significant financial losses. In response, the
Administrators argue that the Plaintiff’s claim lacks
substance and contend that Zafer was not solely
responsible for the Loan disbursement decisions, further
asserting that no breach of fiduciary duties has been
established. The primary issue before this court is whether
the Plaintiff has demonstrated a good arguable case
against the Administrators, sufficient to meet the threshold
for granting a Mareva Injunction.
66
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
arguable case against Zafer and, by extension, the
administrators of his estate.
67
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
of serious argument, but it need not have a better than 50%
chance of success.
68
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
failures were further compounded by the replacement of
Huawei as the turnkey contractor without the Plaintiff’s
approval, a move authorised by Zafer that severely
compromised the Plaintiff’s security and the Project’s
integrity.
69
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
both PwC and the Plaintiff’s internal investigation,
establishing a credible and plausible link between Zafer’s
conduct and the financial loss suffered by the Plaintiff.
70
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
own merits. The evidence presented by the Plaintiff, which
includes the detailed and independent investigations
conducted by PwC Consulting, is compelling. These
investigations unearthed substantial irregularities in the
Loan disbursement process to Aries, implicating Zafer in
key decisions that were in breach of established protocols.
Additionally, the Plaintiff’s own internal review, which
corroborates PwC’s findings, reveals a pattern of conduct
by Zafer that facilitated the improper release of funds.
71
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[147] In conclusion, I find that the Plaintiff has demonstrated a
good arguable case against the Administrators, based on
the credible evidence of irregularities in Zafer’s conduct in
relation to the Loan disbursement. While the Administrators
have raised arguments challenging the sufficiency of the
Plaintiff’s evidence, these arguments do not displace the
fact that the Plaintiff has met the threshold required to
establish a good arguable case. Accordingly, I hold in
favour of the Plaintiff on this issue.
Risk of dissipation
72
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
court and the Plaintiff. They have provided detailed
affidavits, including Enclosure 368, outlining the estate's
assets and financial transactions, as well as a written
undertaking not to dispose of any assets pending the court’s
decision. The Administrators argue that the Plaintiff’s
reliance on past allegations against Zafer, now deceased, is
irrelevant to the current proceedings. They contend that
their transparency, methodical management, and provision
of court assurances eliminate any basis for suggesting a
risk of dissipation, making the Mareva Injunction
unnecessary.
73
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
a methodical and responsible manner. Furthermore, the
Administrators have disclosed other estate-related
expenses, including payments for utilities and routine costs
associated with managing the estate. The affidavit also
specifies that a substantial portion of the funds was directed
toward necessary expenditures, such as the legal fees
incurred for ongoing litigation involving the estate. In
addition, payments made to the IRB, in particular, indicate
the Administrators’ ongoing compliance with statutory
requirements, further solidifying the argument that there is
no risk of dissipation of assets. This responsible conduct,
coupled with their proactive disclosure of financial
movements, highlights the lack of any intent or risk of
concealing or depleting the estate's assets in anticipation of
the Plaintiff’s claims.
[152] In the case of Lee Kai Wuen & Anor v Lee Yee Wuen, the
Court of Appeal emphasised that the mere possibility or
general suspicion of asset dissipation is insufficient. The
court requires direct evidence or circumstances that support
an inference of a real risk of dissipation. In this case, the
Adminstrators have not only cooperated fully with the
Plaintiff’s requests but have also meticulously documented
their financial transactions.
74
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Loh Lai Ngoh [1997] 3 CLJ 552, where the Court of Appeal
warned that Mareva Injunctions should not be employed as
tools of oppression. In the present case, the Administrators
have adhered to their responsibilities, providing
comprehensive disclosure of the estate’s assets, including
those detailed in affidavits like Enclosure 368. They have
continued to maintain transparency in their actions,
particularly by filing affidavits outlining the management of
the estate’s funds and their dealings with statutory
obligations, such as payments to the Inland Revenue
Board. Thus, absent convincing evidence that suggests a
real risk of dissipation, a Mareva Injunction, which imposes
severe financial constraints, would be inappropriate and
unjustified. The injunction must not serve as a preemptive
measure to punish or restrict the lawful administration of the
estate, particularly when there is no clear indication that the
Administrators are attempting to evade potential judgment
or engage in asset dissipation.
75
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[155] The Plaintiff’s reliance on allegations of a lack of probity and
honesty as a determining factor for risk of dissipation is
insufficient in this context, especially given the
Adminstrators’ transparent handling of the estate’s affairs
and their willingness to provide assurances to the court. In
any case, allegations of a lack of probity and honesty would
relate to Zafer, whose passing has taken this issue out of
play.
[156] In conclusion, the court finds that the Plaintiff has failed to
provide sufficient solid evidence of a real risk of dissipation
of assets by the Administrators. Their conduct as
administrators, their transparent dealings with the estate’s
assets, and their compliance with legal requirements and
court orders do not substantiate the fears of asset
dissipation. Therefore, in the absence of a demonstrable
real risk of dissipation of assets, the court dismisses the
Plaintiff’s application for a Mareva Injunction against the
Administrators under Enclosure 106. Costs of RM40,000.00
are to be paid by the Plaintiff to the 28th and 29th
Defendants.
ENCLOSURE 349
[157] The Plaintiff has applied for a Mareva Injunction against the
1st Defendant, Sidqi. The application seeks to restrain Sidqi
from removing or disposing of assets up to the value of
76
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
RM5,500,000.00, both within Malaysia and worldwide.
Additionally, it requires Sidqi to disclose comprehensive
information about all assets held globally within 14 days,
while permitting a monthly allowance of RM10,000 for living
expenses and legal representation. The order is to remain
in force until the disposal of the Writ and Statement of Claim
or until further order of this court.
[158] The grounds for this application stem from the Plaintiff’s
discovery of irregularities following a default on the Loan.
The Plaintiff alleges that approximately RM8,000,000.00 or
RM5,500,000.00 was improperly transferred to a Singapore
bank account controlled by Sidqi in connection with the
Loan's approval and disbursement. Given the international
nature of the alleged fraud and Sidqi’s Malaysian
citizenship, the Plaintiff contends that there is a real risk of
asset dissipation. The Plaintiff asserts it has a good
arguable case against the defendants in this action and has
provided the requisite undertaking as to damages.
77
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
the Loan which was substantial loan and intended for the
Project. The Plaintiff contends that Sidqi knowingly received
or assisted in the unlawful transfer of funds related to this
alleged fraudulent activity.
[160] The Plaintiff asserts that the Loan Sum of RM400 million,
meant to finance the Project, was siphoned out to various
defendants, including Sidqi. Specific reference is made to
the receipt of approximately SGD2 million by Sidqi in a
Singaporean bank account, purportedly on behalf of Zafer,
a key figure allegedly orchestrating the fraud. The Plaintiff
further claims that Sidqi’s involvement in these transactions,
as corroborated by affidavit evidence from Adah and
Ranjeet, demonstrates a knowing receipt of the Plaintiff’s
monies, which forms the foundation of the Plaintiff’s claim.
78
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Biasamas Sdn Bhd, the Plaintiff need not demonstrate a
strong prima facie case or a case that is likely to succeed at
trial. Rather, the Plaintiff must show that its claim is “more
than barely capable of serious argument” and that there is a
fair chance of obtaining judgment against Sidqi.
79
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[165] At this interlocutory stage, the court concludes that while the
evidence of fraud is contested and not fully substantiated,
the Plaintiff has shown a sufficient basis to argue that Sidqi
may have had some involvement in the transfer of funds
related to the Loan. However, the Plaintiff’s case,
particularly on the issue of Sidqi’s knowledge and
participation in the Alleged Fraud Scheme, remains subject
to further scrutiny at trial.
[167] Therefore, the court finds that the Plaintiff has established a
sufficient arguable case against Sidqi to warrant the
continuation of proceedings, though the exact nature of
Sidqi’s involvement remains unclear and will need to be
addressed at trial.
Risk of dissipation
[168] The Plaintiff submits that Sidqi was involved in the Alleged
Fraud Scheme dating back to 2012, where he allegedly
80
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
facilitated the payment of RM8 million to Zafer in connection
with the Loan disbursement from the Plaintiff. The Plaintiff
argues that this past act of dishonesty raises concerns
about Sidqi’s probity and presents a real risk that he may
dissipate his assets to evade potential liabilities. Despite
discovering Sidqi's involvement in July 2022, the Plaintiff
waited until March 2023 to file this Mareva application,
attributing the delay to the complexity of the case and the
ongoing investigation. The Plaintiff contends that the gravity
of the past conduct, coupled with Sidqi's involvement in
corporate entities, necessitates the freesing of his assets to
prevent judgment being frustrated.
[169] Sidqi submits that the Plaintiff has failed to demonstrate any
real or present risk of dissipation of assets, as the
allegations are based on events that occurred more than a
decade ago. He argues that his current circumstances,
including his residency in Malaysia with his family and his
local business interests, indicate a stable presence within
the jurisdiction, with no evidence suggesting he intends to
evade liabilities. Sidqi also highlights the Plaintiff’s
unexplained eight-month delay in filing the Mareva
application, which contradicts the urgency typically required
for such an injunction. He asserts that the delay undermines
the Plaintiff’s claim of a real risk of dissipation, and without
concrete evidence connecting past conduct to a present
threat, the application must fail.
81
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[170] Having carefully weighed all the evidence and arguments
presented, I am compelled to hold that the Plaintiff has not
established that there is a potential dissipation of assets by
Sidqi.
82
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
inconsistency further undermines the reliability of the
Plaintiff’s evidence.
83
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
payment from 2012, has any direct relevance to his current
or future behavior. The Plaintiff's reliance on historical
conduct, without establishing a real-time or ongoing risk, is
insufficient to satisfy the legal thresholds for a Mareva
Injunction.
[176] The principles enshrined in cases like Lee Kai Wuen v Lee
Yee Wuen and Yves Charles Edgar Bouvier v Accent
Delight International Ltd reiterate the need for solid and
contemporaneous evidence of a real risk of asset
dissipation. In those cases, it was clearly established that
only when dishonesty directly impacts the current risk of
dissipation can a court infer such a risk. Sidqi’s case lacks
such clear evidence. The Plaintiff's failure to connect the
past conduct to a present and immediate risk means that
the application for a Mareva Injunction must be rejected.
[177] The cases cited by the Plaintiff do not sufficiently align with
Sidqi’s circumstances, as the Plaintiff relied on instances
where dishonesty was clear and directly implicated in asset
dissipation, which is not evident here. The cases referenced
by the Plaintiff, such as Ang Chee Huat v Engelback
Thomas Joseph, involved conflicting documents, including a
letter and a declaration of trust that directly contradicted the
defendant’s defence and affidavits. Similarly, in Petowa
Jaya Sdn Bhd v Binaan Nasional Sdn Bhd [1988] 2 MLJ
261 (Court of Appeal), the defendant had wrongly detained
and used the plaintiff’s equipment without consent, as well
84
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
as 98% of the progress payments, both of which were
undisputed acts of dishonesty.
85
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
[180] The Plaintiff’s unexplained delay of eight months in filing
this Mareva application against Sidqi is significant and
undermines their argument of urgency. The Plaintiff’s
submissions indicate that the Plaintiff was aware of Sidqi's
alleged involvement by July 2022, when Adah filed her first
affidavit implicating Sidqi. Despite this, the Plaintiff waited
until November 2022 to file an application to amend its writ
to include Sidqi, and even then, this application was not
filed on a certificate of urgency, reflecting a lack of
immediacy or concern about any real risk of dissipation at
that time.
86
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
explanation has been offered for this delay, which, as a
result, severely weakens the Plaintiff’s application.
[184] In Enclosure 44, the 5th Defendant and the 15th to 17th
Defendants (Abdul Wahid, Paneagle Holdings, Paneagel
and VCB Investment) filed an application to set aside the Ex
Parte Injunction Order dated 4.7.2022. This application is
made pursuant to Order 29 Rule 1(2A) and/or (2B) of the
Rules of Court 2012, along with Order 92 Rule 4. These
defendants seek several orders, including the setting aside
of the Ex Parte Injunction Order in its entirety, an
assessment of any losses or damages incurred as a result
of the injunction, and costs to be borne by the Plaintiff.
87
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Additionally, these defendants request any other relief
deemed just by the court.
88
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
of the Rules of Court 2012, Order 92 Rule 4, and the
inherent jurisdiction of the court. The said defendants seek
to have the injunction order set aside in its entirety, along
with an assessment of any losses or damages incurred due
to the injunction.
[187] The grounds for the application rest on the said defendants'
contention that Zavarco PLC is a UK-incorporated public
limited company and is not related to the other corporate
defendants in the case, as evidenced by the Plaintiff's own
corporate structure allegations. Additionally, Tunku Mazlina
only became a director of Zavarco PLC in 2014, well after
the events in question. The said defendants argue that the
Plaintiff's claims of “waiver of conditions precedent” and the
“waiver of the joint completion guarantee” fail to include any
specific allegations of misconduct against the said
defendants. Therefore, they contend that the Ex Parte
Injunction Order should be set aside as there is no sufficient
basis for its application to them.
89
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
assessment of any losses or damages incurred as a result
of the injunction.
[189] The grounds for this application are based on several key
points. First, Shailen asserts that the Plaintiff has not
provided sufficient particulars regarding his involvement in
the alleged causes of action, rendering the claims vague
and unsupported. Second, the Plaintiff has not
demonstrated an arguable case to justify the granting of the
Mareva Injunction. Additionally, the Plaintiff has failed to
show that Shailen is a flight risk or that there is any real
danger of him dissipating assets. Lastly, Shailen contends
that the balance of probability does not support the
continuation of the injunction, arguing that the Plaintiff’s
case is weak and does not warrant such extraordinary relief.
Based on these grounds, Shailen submits that the Ex Parte
Injunction Order should be set aside.
90
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Enclosure 117 and Enclosure 158 are dismissed. I address
my grounds for dismissing these applications below.
[193] In the Lee Kai Wuen case, the Court of Appeal set aside the
Mareva Injunction due to the absence of direct evidence
that the assets were likely to be dissipated. The payments
in that case were fully documented, and there was no
indication that the defendants had acted dishonestly with
respect to their asset management. The defendants in the
present case analogised their situation to Lee Kai Wuen,
arguing that their assets were similarly documented, and
91
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
there was no demonstrated dishonesty or improper conduct
regarding asset management at the time of the injunction's
issuance. They contended that the Plaintiff’s failure to show
any immediate or imminent risk of asset dissipation - such
as evidence of assets being hidden, transferred, or sold -
undermined the need for an injunction.
[194] The defendants also pointed out that they had cooperated
fully in prior dealings, and there had been no indication of
any steps taken by them to undermine or evade potential
enforcement action. Moreover, they argued that any risk of
dissipation should be assessed based on present
circumstances and not solely on past allegations. They
further submitted that the Plaintiff had failed to distinguish
between the assets legitimately owned by the defendants
and those allegedly involved in the Alleged Fraud Scheme.
As such, the defendants urged the court to follow the
rationale in Lee Kai Wuen, where the Mareva Injunction was
set aside due to the lack of evidence proving a real and
substantial risk of asset dissipation.
[195] However, what was set aside by the Court of Appeal in Lee
Kai Wuen was the Mareva Injunction granted after an inter
partes hearing in the High Court, not an ex parte Mareva
Injunction order. The defendants overlooked this distinction,
as the ex parte nature of the injunction inherently relies on a
different threshold of evidence and urgency. In the context
of an ex parte injunction, the urgency of the matter justifies
the lower threshold of proof required to demonstrate a risk
92
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
of dissipation. Therefore, the finding that there was no risk
of dissipation after a more comprehensive inter partes
hearing is not, in itself, a sufficient reason to set aside the
Ex Parte Injunction Order.
[196] While I have found that the risk of dissipation has not been
adequately established by the Plaintiff for the purposes of
allowing the substantive Mareva Injunction, this does not
negate the Plaintiff’s reasonable apprehension at the time
of applying for the Ex Parte Injunction Order. The threshold
for obtaining an ex parte injunction is significantly lower than
that for a substantive Mareva Injunction, and it is not
necessary for the Plaintiff to provide conclusive evidence of
asset dissipation. Instead, it suffices for the Plaintiff to
demonstrate that there is a legitimate concern or a credible
threat that the defendants may take steps to dissipate their
assets before the inter partes hearing. In this case, the
Plaintiff has presented detailed allegations of fraudulent
conduct and financial irregularities, which, at the time of the
ex parte application, raised reasonable concerns about the
defendants’ intentions regarding their assets.
93
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Plaintiff highlighted suspicious and unexplained payments
made by the defendants, which lacked any legitimate
business justification and were indicative of dishonest
conduct. These payments, as outlined in the Plaintiff's
submissions, included large transfers to entities connected
to the defendants, with no corresponding work or services
provided in return. Such payments suggested that the said
defendants had engaged in the misappropriation of funds,
thus raising concerns that they might continue to dissipate
assets to evade liability.
94
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
grounds. The Plaintiff’s evidence, though circumstantial,
painted a picture of fraudulent behavior and financial
misconduct that warranted the granting of urgent ex parte
relief to prevent the possible dissipation of assets pending
the outcome of the full hearing. Thus, the Plaintiff’s concern,
supported by the allegations of conspiracy, siphoning of
funds, and unexplained payments, was sufficient to meet
the lower threshold required for obtaining the Ex Parte
Injunction Order.
95
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
companies and subsidiaries spread across different
countries, making it difficult to trace or recover assets once
they were transferred. The Plaintiff submitted that many of
the corporate entities connected to the said defendants
were registered in jurisdictions with less stringent financial
oversight, further complicating the ability to track the flow of
funds and increasing the risk that the said defendants could
easily move their assets beyond the reach of the Malaysian
courts.
96
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
indicated that the dissipation of assets was not only
possible but likely, should they be alerted to the Plaintiff’s
intentions.
97
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
allegations illogical, as the timing of the purported fraudulent
transactions was not immediately connected to the initial
disbursement of the Loan. They contended that the
Plaintiff’s allegations lacked temporal proximity and
coherence, arguing that no clear link was established
between the disbursement of the Loan and the subsequent
alleged misconduct, which occurred years later. Thus, they
claimed that the Plaintiff was attempting to stretch its claim
far beyond the relevant time frame, weakening the logical
foundation of the case.
[206] The said defendants further argued that the Plaintiff was
already pursuing a defective claim against Paneagle
Holdings in relation to the same Loan. The Plaintiff had
initiated legal action against Paneagle Holdings, alleging
that it was responsible for the failure of the Project and the
mismanagement of the Loan proceeds. The said
defendants contended that the Plaintiff's primary avenue for
relief lay with Paneagle Holdings, as the entity most directly
involved in the contractual relationship concerning the Loan.
They argued that by bringing an additional claim against
them - who were not as directly linked to the Loan
agreement - the Plaintiff was effectively duplicating its
efforts, seeking to hold multiple parties accountable for the
same funds without clearly distinguishing their roles in the
Alleged Fraud Scheme.
98
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Holdings in its action related to the Loan, and therefore,
there were no further grounds to seek additional recovery
from them. In their view, the Plaintiff had failed to provide a
coherent justification for why it should be entitled to pursue
separate claims against the said defendants for sums that
were already being litigated against Paneagle Holdings.
This, according to the said defendants, made the Mareva
Injunction against them redundant and unjustifiable. They
argued that allowing the injunction to remain in place would
amount to an unfair and disproportionate measure, as the
Plaintiff was effectively using the Mareva Injunction to
freeze assets based on claims that had already been
accounted for in the ongoing proceedings against Paneagle
Holdings. Therefore, the said defendants urged the court to
set aside the Ex Parte Injunction Order, as it was premised
on claims that were either irrelevant or already being
addressed in separate legal proceedings.
99
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
matters that typically arise at that stage. These are not
issues that are required to be determined conclusively at
the time of granting an ex parte order, where the court is
primarily concerned with whether there is an urgent and
prima facie case for interim relief to prevent potential
injustice.
100
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
While some of the defendants' arguments, such as the
timing of the alleged siphoning of funds or the connection to
Paneagle Holdings, might be persuasive at a later stage,
they were not sufficient grounds to set aside the Ex Parte
Injunction Order at this preliminary stage.
101
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Conclusion
25 September 2024
102
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
Counsel:
For the 3rd, 5th, 12th, Foo Joon Liang with Tan Min Lee
15th, 16th, 18th and 26th and Kho Jia Yuan
Defendants: (Messrs Gan Partnership)
For the 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, Syamsul Azhar Ab Aziz with Sasha
9th, 11th, 17th, 22nd, 24th (Messrs Azhar Aziz & Associates)
and 25th Defendants:
For the 10th Defendant: Annou Xavier with Yong Jia Wei
(Messrs Azri, Lee Swee Seng &
Co.)
103
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal
For the 23rd and 27th Dato Loh Siew Cheang with
Defendants: Muhammad Hiqmar Danial, Eizlan
Farhan Nakhrowi and Claudia
Nyon
(Messrs Tee Tai Tzian & Sim)
104
S/N a5koTOQbK0akWS48HG12Dg
**Note : Serial number will be used to verify the originality of this document via eFILING portal