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THE Kuala Lumpur High Court will deliver its verdict today in the RM12.5 million legal fee suit filed by lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla against Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU) and three of its top leaders.
Justice Datuk Akhtar Tahir fixed the date following the close of the defence’s case, which included testimony from former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his former principal private secretary, Datuk Dr Marzuki Mohamad.
Haniff filed the suit in 2021 to claim legal fees amounting to RM12.5 million from BERSATU. He also named Muhyiddin, BERSATU deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, and party treasurer Datuk Salleh Bajuri as the first to third defendants.
Haniff told the court he had issued an invoice to BERSATU prior to initiating legal action but received no response. The services he claims to have rendered include the party’s registration with the Registrar of Societies (ROS), managing various court proceedings on its behalf, and legal work related to the party’s participation in the 14th General Election.
His services were officially terminated on 24 February 2020 following the 'Sheraton Move', which led to the resignation of then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, BERSATU’s chairman at the time, and the eventual collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government.
Haniff is seeking payment for his legal services up to that date.
In its defence, BERSATU contends that Haniff served the party on a 'pro bono' basis between 2016 and 2020.
However, Haniff stated that BERSATU has, to date, not filed any formal objection to the RM12.5 million invoice, as required under the Legal Profession Act.
The court’s ruling later today will determine whether BERSATU is liable for the sum claimed. - August 25, 2025