KUALA LUMPUR – The prosecution team behind Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s RM1.25 billion graft case provided vital support to senior deputy public prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram throughout the lengthy proceedings, said Gopal.
Speaking to the press after judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan found her guilty at the high court here today, Sri Ram said today’s victory should be credited to the lawyers and officers behind the prosecution team.
“I couldn’t have done my job (as lead counsel) if I hadn’t received the strong support they (prosecution team) gave me.
“My DPPs have been working hard, I might have been the one slacking,” he said in jest, adding that the team ensured that they carried out their duties impartially.
Sri Ram said that in his personal opinion, the 10-year prison sentence meted out by the high court was “fair”, adding that as a former judge, he is well aware of the difficulties in handing down a suitable sentence.
Meanwhile, Rosmah’s lawyer Datuk Jagjit Singh, in a separate press conference outside the courtroom, expressed his disappointment with the verdict and confirmed that the defence will file an appeal.
Jagjit reiterated that the real culprit in this case was not charged.
He repeatedly maintained that Rosmah’s former aide Datuk Rizal Mansor and former education minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid were responsible for any alleged impropriety in the solar power project.
Jagjit again lamented the fine Rosmah has to pay.
“How is she to pay this fine of nearly RM1 billion when she is not employed?” he asked, adding that the fine amount was outrageous.
Earlier today, Rosmah was sentenced to a 10-year jail term for each of her three corruption charges that will run concurrently, as well as a fine of RM970 million.
In reading his judgment, judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan said if Rosmah defaults on her fine payment, she will have to serve 10 years in prison and that it will run consecutively.
Rosmah, 70, is charged with one count of soliciting RM187.5 million and two counts of receiving bribes of RM6.5 million from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd’s former managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin through her former special officer Datuk Rizal Mansor.
The kickbacks were allegedly an inducement to help the company Jepak Holdings secure the hybrid photovoltaic solar system integrated project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak, worth RM1.25 billion. – The Vibes, September 1, 2022
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