Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor is expected to face fresh charges this week – this time over the controversial RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project for rural schools in Sarawak.
It is understood that Rosmah, the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, will be hauled to court over her alleged role in the project, which is currently under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
An MACC source familiar with the investigation said the project was awarded without adhering to the Education Ministry’s standard operating procedure during the then Barisan Nasional-led government.
The source said the project, which involved the installation of solar panels at 369 schools in Sarawak, was awarded to a company under the direct order of Najib, who was then prime minister.
“Based on the investigation, Rosmah is expected to be hit with several charges for her alleged role in the project.
“This is a follow-up to our probe involving Najib’s former aide Datuk Rizal Mansor, who was detained by the MACC on July 9,” the source was quoted as telling the New Straits Times today.
The source added that both Rosmah and Rizal are expected to be charged in court sometime this week.
However, it is unclear what role Rosmah played in the deal or what charges would be brought against her.
Rizal was investigated by the MACC for allegedly soliciting money from Jepak Holdings, which was awarded the contract at the end of 2016 for the supply of diesel, repair of generators and to provide solar hybrid systems for 369 rural schools in Sarawak.
To date, none of the schools has it.
The MACC had previously detained several individuals, including the company’s directors, managing directors and lawyers, to facilitate investigations.
As to whether Najib and former Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid would also face charges, The Star quoted a source as saying: “Not yet”.
Mahdzir was grilled for several hours by the MACC last month, also over the same project.
Najib was called in by the commission on Thursday to assist in investigations as a witness for several cases. One is for the solar hybrid project.