The Kuala Lumpur High Court has allowed RM32,962.87 seized by the MACC from Kelantan Umno to be handed to the Malaysian government.

According to Berita Harian, Judicial Commissioner Ahmad Shahrir Mohd Salleh made the decision today in allowing the prosecution's application.

Ahmad Shahrir said the prosecution succeeded in proving the money was proceeds from illegal activities.

The sum was seized by the MACC in 2018 as being allegedly linked to the 1MDB money-laundering scandal.

In his judgement, Ahmad said the prosecution had satisfied the court in accordance to Section 56 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001.

As such, the court stated that the government deserved the sum in question, together with interests.

MACC deputy public prosecutor Nik Haslinie Hashim appeared for the prosecution today while Kelantan Umno was represented by counsel Nurul Hazreen Ahmad Kamal.

The anti-graft body had on June 29, 2018, filed a motion to seize the fund upon freezing the state Umno branch’s account.

In June last year, MACC had filed forfeiture suits against 41 individuals and groups in order to recoup RM270 million in 1MDB-linked assets.