Firm loses appeal against Barisan

By Lisa Goh, The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Merchandise supplier Elegant Advisory Sdn Bhd received another setback Monday in its RM218mil suit against Barisan Nasional over non-payment for the supply of election paraphernalia for the 2004 general election.

The High Court here has dismissed its appeal against an earlier High Court decision (by a senior assistant registrar) in favour of Barisan.

Justice Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof made his ruling after meeting with counsel for parties in chambers Monday.

Speaking to reporters, counsel for Elegant Advisory Mohd Nazruddin Abdullah said the court made the ruling after finding that the plaintiff had failed to serve the writ to the defendants properly.

Counsel for Barisan Datuk Hafarizam Harun, said following the ruling, he would be filing an application soon to have the suit struck out.

In its suit filed on Feb 17 this year, Elegant Advisory said it was involved in supplying election merchandise, transportation and publications, and had supplied Barisan with the items for the 11th general election in 2004.

Barisan treasurer-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamed Hanadzlah, Barisan secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and the Barisan public officer were named as defendants in the suit.

The plaintiff claimed that it had sent invoices for over RM218mil and that the defendant had failed to pay up.

On March 7, the plaintiff obtained a judgment-in-default against the defendants.

On March 24, the defendants filed an appeal to set aside the judgment-in-default, which was granted by a senior assistant registrar on June 23.

The High Court Monday also fixed July 21 for mention of the case.