Shabnam (also known as Natasha Mirpuri) was initially named as a co-defendant in the suit alongside Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former prime minister Najib Razak. Rosmah remains a defendant in the ongoing lawsuit.

According to lawyer Nathalie Ker, representing 1MDB, a consent judgment was recorded before High Court judge Wan Amin Wan Yahya during online proceedings today.

“The consent judgment records the plaintiff’s decision not to continue with the suit against Shabnam, with liberty to file afresh,” Ker confirmed when contacted by reporters.

Shabnam’s lawyer N Sivananthan confirmed the latest development when contacted.

The lawsuit was originally filed on May 9, 2024, naming Rosmah and Shabnam as the first and second defendants.

The 10 subsidiaries involved as co-plaintiffs are: 1MDB Energy Holdings Ltd, 1MDB Energy Ltd, 1MDB Energy (Langat) Ltd, Global Diversified Investment Company Ltd, SRC International Sdn Bhd, Affinity Equity International Partners Ltd, Alsen Chance Holdings Ltd, Blackrock Commodities (Global) Ltd, Blackstone Asia Real Estate Partners Ltd and Brightstone Jewellery Ltd.

The plaintiffs are seeking a court order compelling Rosmah to pay US$346,010,489 or a sum to be assessed by the court.

They also seek court declarations, including one asserting that the first to sixth plaintiffs hold rightful ownership of the luxury items, purportedly in Rosmah’s possession.