The Kuala Lumpur High Court judge who is presiding over Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s money laundering and tax evasion case involving RM7,097,750 has suggested for the trial to be transferred before another judge to enable it to be heard earlier.
Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan made the suggestion after deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Poh Yih Tinn updated the court about Rosmah’s corruption case involving the solar hybrid project for rural schools in Sarawak, which is fixed for oral submissions on Feb 10 next year after the prosecution wrapped up its case on Dec 11.
Judge Mohamed Zaini, who is presiding over both cases, had initially decided to start Rosmah’s money laundering and tax evasion trial after the completion of her corruption trial.
Judge Mohamed Zaini: Have you not giving thoughts to getting another judge to hear this (case) if you are more keen to proceed earlier.
Poh: I have to consult the senior DPPs.
Judge Mohamed Zaini: (You should) think about that. Otherwise, it is fine to just maintain (the trial at) this court. So, we will fix another case management on Feb 25 next year pending your discussion.
Poh: Ok, I will discuss it with Datuk Seri (Senior DPP Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram).
Rosmah, 69, who was exempted from attending the proceedings, was represented by her lawyer Datuk Geethan Ram Vincent.
Rosmah faces three counts of corruption for allegedly soliciting RM187.5 million from Saidi Abang Samsudin, managing director of Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd, as an inducement to help the company secure a solar project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak, costing RM1.25 billion, through direct negotiation with the education ministry.
She is also accused of receiving bribes amounting to RM6.5 million from Saidi between 2016 and 2017.