Prosecutors back off challenge to ruling in money laundering, tax evasion case.
The prosecution has withdrawn its appeal against the High Court’s decision to acquit and discharge Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor of 12 money-laundering charges involving more than RM7 million and five charges of failing to declare her income to the Inland Revenue Board.
A notice of withdrawal, filed by the public prosecutor at the Court of Appeal on 9 December, stated that it did not intend to proceed.
“Not satisfied with the decision of High Court Judge K Muniandy (now Court of Appeal Judge) on 19 Dec 2024. The public prosecutor has now given notice that it does not intend to proceed with the appeal,” the document read.
A letter from the Court of Appeal’s Deputy Registrar confirmed that the case management set for 22 December has been vacated, and the appeal dismissed under Order 73 of the Court of Appeal Rules 1994.
Rosmah’s lawyer, Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, welcomed the decision, describing Judge Muniandy’s ruling as fair.
“We are relieved that she (Rosmah) has been completely freed from the charges. This entire process has been a tough test for her, and we are pleased to see that justice has finally been served and the case closed,” he said.
On 19 December last year, Judge Muniandy acquitted and discharged the 74-year-old wife of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak after allowing her application to quash all 17 charges. According to Bernama, he ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish the key elements of the alleged money-laundering offences.
Rosmah filed her application to strike out the charges in September 2023. The trial began on 24 August 2023, with two witnesses taking the stand.
She had pleaded not guilty on 4 October 2018 to 12 counts of money laundering involving RM7,097,750 and five counts of failing to declare her income.
Separately, Rosmah is appealing her conviction, 10-year prison sentence and RM970 million fine in the corruption case linked to the 369 solar hybrid rural schools project. A hearing date at the Court of Appeal has yet to be set.