"I am in no doubt, and I agree with the opposing parties, that an experienced local advocate and solicitor will be able to handle such issues," Justice Wan Afrah Wan Ibrahim said.
KUALA LUMPUR: British Prime Minister Tony Blair's wife Cherie Blair was on Wednesday refused permission to act in a controversial Malaysian court case which is linked to accusations of government corruption.
"I am in no doubt, and I agree with the opposing parties, that an experienced local advocate and solicitor will be able to handle such issues," Justice Wan Afrah Wan Ibrahim said in the High Court ruling.
"Having considered the various authorities cited by the parties. I am of the opinion that the applicant has failed to meet the test," she added. "For the above reasons the applicant's application is dismissed with costs."
As a foreign-based lawyer Cherie Blair, who is a leading human rights lawyer, needed approval to act for Fawziah Holdings which is fighting for compensation over an allegedly corrupt deal.
Cherie Blair had reportedly agreed to head Fawziah's legal team as it fought a final appeal by Metromac, a highway tolls concession holder ordered to pay 18 million dollars in compensation.
Anti-graft groups and Malaysia's opposition have called for an investigation into the case after a judge found Metromac's owners were awarded a 202 million dollar payout under the patronage of former minister Daim Zainuddin.
The sum, to compensate for tolls lost from major city roads, was handed over soon after two politically connected tycoons took over Metromac despite the government saying previously it had no funds for a payout.
Malaysia's Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail and Metramac had both objected to Cherie Blair's involvement in the case. Metramac said she did not fulfill the conditions required under Malaysian law, which states that foreign lawyers must prove they have special skills or experience not available among lawyers here.
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