Solar corruption trial: Prosecution allowed to raise Rosmah’s money laundering case
The prosecution is allowed to raise Rosmah Mansor’s money laundering case in her current solar hybrid energy corruption trial.
However, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur today directed the prosecutors to limit their questions to only the fact that she was charged for the money laundering case.
Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan’s ruling was in relation to...
The prosecution is allowed to raise Rosmah Mansor’s money laundering case in her current solar hybrid energy corruption trial.
However, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur today directed the prosecutors to limit their questions to only the fact that she was charged for the money laundering case.
Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan’s ruling was in relation to deputy public prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram’s application to raise the money laundering case when the prosecutor cross-examines Rosmah in her current solar corruption trial.
At present, Rosmah, who is the wife of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, is undergoing trial over three graft charges linked to the RM1.25 billion solar hybrid energy project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak.
However, she also has another case (pending trial) for alleged money laundering and tax evasion involving RM7,097,750, related to the same solar project.
Limiting prejudice
Earlier today, Sri Ram applied to the court to be allowed to impeach Rosmah and cross-examine her over her character.
The prosecution specifically wishes to cross-examine her over her money laundering charges, as part of the solar corruption trial.
While allowing the prosecution to raise the issue of Rosmah’s character when cross-examining her, Zaini ordered them to limit their questioning regarding her money laundering case, in order to limit any prejudice she may suffer as a result.
“I have taken cognisance of the prosecution’s proposal to cross-examine the accused on the charge she faced under AMLA (Anti-Money Laundering Act) and alleged bank statement as well as alleged deposit by (one) Roslan Sohari.
“I am satisfied that the prosecution has satisfied the requirement under Section 54(2)(b) of the Evidence Act.
“However, I will not allow questions to be asked on facts of the Amla charges that the accused faces, save for that she was charged under the Act.
“The probative value of the prosecution’s intent to raise (the money laundering case) does not outweigh the prejudicial element the accused may suffer,” Zaini ruled.
For the current solar graft trial, Rosmah, 70, is facing three charges under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.
On the first charge, she is accused of soliciting RM187.5 million in bribes from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd to help secure an Education Ministry project.
The RM1.25 billion project was intended to supply power to 369 rural schools in Sarawak using a combination of solar and diesel energy.
On the second and third charges, she is accused of receiving RM1.5 million and RM5 million in bribes respectively as a reward for securing the project.
On Feb 18 this year, the High Court ordered Rosmah to enter her defence, following its finding that the prosecution succeeded in establishing a prima facie case against her.
Rosmah was represented by defence counsel Akberdin Abdul Kader and Jagjit Singh.
Her solar corruption trial will resume on Dec 8.
