KUALA LUMPUR: The Government is objecting to a leave application by two lawyers who want to quash a notice ordering them to assist in investigations related to a bribery case.

The notice was issued against Latheefa Beebi Koya and Murnie Hidayah Anuar by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) assistant superintendent Suziana Ali on March 19.

The notice stated that if they failed to adhere, the two could be punished under Section 69 of the MACC Act 2009, which carries a fine of up to RM10,000 or jail of up to two years or both.

In their application for leave for a judicial review, the two lawyers said they merely appeared for their client Datuk Shamsubahrin Ismail over an investigation into a bribery case against National Feedlot Corporation executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Salleh Ismail – who is the husband of former Cabinet minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

Senior Federal Counsel Effandi Nazila Abdullah, who acted for the Government and two others, raised an objection on the issue of jurisdiction.

Speaking to reporters later, Effandi said the notice issued by the MACC was not “reviewable” as the court had no jurisdiction.

However, Latheefa and Murnie’s lead counsel R. Sivarasa argued that his clients wanted to quash the notice issued under Section 30 (i)(a) of the MACC Act 2009 on grounds of abuse of power.

“MACC should not intimidate lawyers who assisted and advised their client during interrogation,” he said.

High Court (Appellate and Special Powers) judge Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim has set Sept 3 to deliver his decision on the preliminary objection and leave.

The Star, Friday August 10, 2012