KUALA LUMPUR – The high court here today will decide whether Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has to answer to corruption charges relating to a RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project for rural schools in Sarawak, or is acquitted.
Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan is expected to deliver his ruling at 9am to the 69-year-old, who is the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Rosmah faces one count of soliciting RM187.5 million and two counts of receiving bribes totalling RM6.5 million from former Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin.
The bribes were allegedly received through her former special officer, Datuk Rizal Mansor, as a reward for helping Jepak Holdings secure the project, as well as the maintenance and operation of diesel gensets, for 369 Sarawak rural schools, from the Education Ministry through direct negotiations.
The crime was allegedly committed at Lygon Café in Sunway Putra Mall, Jalan Putra here; Rosmah’s residence in Jalan Langgak Duta, Taman Duta; and, Seri Perdana, Persiaran Seri Perdana, Precinct 10, Putrajaya, between January 2016 and September 2017.
The charges, under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, provide for imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount of the gratification, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
The prosecution is led by senior deputy public prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram, while lawyer Datuk Jagjit Singh heads the defence. – Bernama, February 18, 2021
