Rosmah fails to recuse trial judge in corruption case

Mohamed Zaini Mazlan will stay on to deliver the verdict in Rosmah Mansor’s corruption case linked to the RM1.25 billion solar hybrid energy project.

The trial judge today dismissed an application by the wife of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak to be recused from her graft case.

Two days ago, Rosmah filed an eleventh-hour application on grounds linked to the alleged leak of a court judgment that found her guilty of the three corruption charges.

One charge accused Rosmah of soliciting RM187.5 million and two other counts accused her of receiving bribes of RM6.5 million from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd’s former managing director Saidi Abang Samsuddin, through her former special officer Rizal Mansor.

It was allegedly done as an inducement to help the company to secure the Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar System Integrated Project and Maintenance and Operation of Genset/Diesel for 369 Sarawak rural schools.

Just before Zaini (above) read his decision on the recusal bid, he lightened the mood in the courtroom by apologising for the delay as he could not find anyone to write the judgment.

Getting back to the actual ruling, the trial judge pointed out that the two alleged leaked documents that formed the basis of the recusal bid are actually copies of write-ups from the research units of the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

‘I did my own research’

Zaini reiterated that the two documents were not draft judgments of his verdict in the solar graft case against Rosmah, and that he did not rely on the opinions expressed in these write-ups for his decision in the case.

“I did not read their opinion. I did my own research and it was also based on submission by parties (prosecution and defence team). I have always done my own work and have written over 200 judgments.

“Anybody can form their own opinion (such as via the research unit’s write-ups) but at the end of the day, the only opinion that matters is my own that forms the basis of my decision.

“Nobody realises how difficult our job is. We are not here to make popular decisions but to dispense justice,” he said.

Zaini added that there were no personal feelings involved in coming to his decision.

“I have nothing against the accused and (my verdict is) based on the law. If I am wrong, the higher court (Court of Appeal and/or Federal Court) can rectify this.

“Whatever personal feelings we (judges) have, we leave at the door. Like all my brothers (and sisters) in the judiciary, we take seriously our oath to uphold and safeguard the constitution,” he said.

Later in the day, Zaini convicted Rosmah on all three graft charges and sentenced her to 10 years in jail and an RM970 million fine in lieu of an additional 30 years of imprisonment, with the prison sentence to run from the date of sentencing today.

However, Zaini allowed the defendant’s application for a stay of execution of the sentences pending the disposal of her appeal to the Court of Appeal.

• 'Might as well kill me' - Rosmah mutters in court

• Rosmah gets 10 years' jail, RM970m fine for corruption

• LIVE | Tearful Rosmah cries 'victim' after found guilty on all charges

Tearful Rosmah cries 'victim' after found guilty on all charges

Rosmah files to recuse judge, postpone solar case verdict

Court dismisses Rosmah’s second bid to recuse Sri Ram

Rosmah’s trial: Police record statements over alleged leaked judgment

Najib's daughter reminisces on father's commitment to rakyat

Court lodges police report over alleged Rosmah judgment leak

Najib arrives in court from prison for 1MDB audit report trial

Now media-shy Shafee snubs press, Rosmah greets Najib's supporters