THE High Court has ordered the transfer of ownership for a 9,723-square metre parcel of land in Kuala Lumpur from a group of former trustees, including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to the United Malays National Organisation (Umno).
The land, originally held in trust by Tun Mahathir, Tun Musa Hitam, the late Tun Daim Zainuddin and the late Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, is to be re-registered in Umno’s name following a consent judgment reached between the party and the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office.
Justice Roz Mawar Rozain issued the order after Umno’s lead counsel, Datuk Mohd Hafarizam Harun, informed the court that both parties had reached an agreement to resolve the matter without a full trial.
“Accordingly, the court records the parties’ consent judgment, and the transfer of title is to be effected within 30 days,” Justice Roz Mawar ruled during the proceedings, which were also attended by Umno's co-counsel, Norhazira Abu Haiyan.
According to the consent order obtained by the media, the land will be transferred and registered in Umno’s name, along with all associated rights and interests, under Section 9(b) of the Societies Act 1966.
The case stems from an originating summons filed on 6 March by Umno Working Secretary Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan, seeking a court directive for the transfer of ownership of Grant 78154, Lot 40, Section 51, Bandar Kuala Lumpur, from the four trustees to Umno. The application cited Clause 27.1 of the party constitution and Section 9 of the Societies Act.
In his affidavit, Mohd Sumali stated that the trustees had executed the necessary statutory declaration in October 2015 to approve the transfer. He noted that two trustees — Sanusi and Daim — have since passed away, in March 2018 and November 2024, respectively.
He added that a statutory declaration dated 10 December 2015, signed by Umno’s president, deputy president and secretary-general at the time, supported the move to have the land registered in the party’s name.
The Federal Territories Land and Mines Office had initially approved the transfer in December 2015, according to a confirmation letter, but a subsequent application to formalise the change via Form 14A was rejected in May 2017 due to discrepancies between the names on the land title and those on identity documents.
The court’s latest order effectively resolves the long-standing issue, enabling Umno to take formal possession of the land as the sole registered owner. - June 24, 2025
