Politics · Malaysia Bureau
1MDB appeals bid to restore case against White & Case
The state investment fund is seeking Federal Court approval to overturn a High Court ruling that rejected its jurisdiction to hear a claim worth US$1.86 billion against the UK law firm. The decision could determine whether Malaysia's courts can proceed with the closely watched dispute.
LSN Malaysia ·
1Malaysia Development Berhad has filed an application for leave to appeal to the Federal Court, challenging a High Court decision that struck down its lawsuit against White & Case LLP. The dispute centres on whether Malaysian courts have the authority to hear the investment fund's claim, valued at approximately US$1.86 billion, against the London-based legal firm.
The High Court previously ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter, a decision that effectively halted 1MDB's legal pursuit. The fund's appeal seeks to reverse this determination and restore its right to proceed with the case in the Malaysian court system.
White & Case has been engaged by 1MDB at various points, and the dispute relates to allegations concerning the firm's role in advising on transactions. The outcome of the Federal Court's decision on whether to grant leave for the appeal will be significant for both the state fund and the international legal profession's exposure to liability in Malaysia.
The case remains one of several legal battles stemming from 1MDB's history, which has been marked by high-profile scandals and financial controversies. A Federal Court ruling on the jurisdiction question could also set important precedent for similar cross-border disputes involving Malaysian entities and foreign professional service firms.