THE Federal Government has nothing to do with the High Court’s decision to acquit Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor of her 17 - money laundering and tax evasion charges, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
It is a court decision, and the cabinet leaves it to the Attorney-General Chambers to take any further action on the matter, said Anwar.
"Do not presume that we are like the previous governments, like past prime ministers, who can call the Judges to give directives. I did not give any order to any Judge, and I respect the court's decision," he said after launching three books on DAP iconic leader Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang at the Tandoor Grill restaurant in Ipoh.
Among those present were Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department M. Kulasegaran, and Kit Siang’s children - Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, who is also the DAP chairman and Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying.
Anwar, who is also Tambun MP, said there should not be any controversy if various quarters can understand that this administration does not interfere with the judicial system.
"There are many Dismissals Not Amounting to Acquittal (DNAA) involving the Opposition. It is the court's decision," said Anwar.
The same applies to veteran leader Tun Musa Aman who was just appointed as the new Sabah governor.
Musa was also freed of all his 46 corruption and money laundering charges in connection with timber concession contracts in Sabah by the Sabah High Court.
"It happened when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was the Prime Minister in 2020," said Anwar.
Yesterday, Justice K. Muniandy ruled that the charges against Rosmah, the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak were illegal and flawed as they did not comply with provisions in the Criminal Procedure Code.
“The charges amounted to duplicity and multiplicity. Furthermore, they did not disclose any offence,” he said.
Muniandy said the money laundering charges were defective as they only revealed that Rosmah had deposited money in her account at Affin Bank Bhd.
“Merely depositing money is not tantamount to indulging in unlawful activities and committing money laundering offences,” he said.
Muniandy also stressed that the tax evasion charges brought under the Income Tax Act 1967 were premature as Rosmah’s appeal on the tax assessment was still pending before the Special Commissioners of Income Tax. - December 20, 2024.
