Rosmah seeks to recuse judge

KUALA LUMPUR: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor (pic) is seeking to recuse a High Court judge, who had ordered her to enter her defence in another trial, from presiding over her RM7mil money laundering and tax evasion case.

The application was filed through Messrs Geethan Ram on Nov 2 and it named the public prosecutor as the sole respondent.

In the court document, Rosmah said Justice Mohamed Zaini Mazlan was the judge who heard her corruption case involving a solar hybrid project in Sarawak.

The judge had, on Feb 18, ruled that the prosecution had proven a prima facie case and ordered Rosmah to enter her defence against the charges related to the project.

The judge had also allowed the prosecution in the solar case to cross-examine Rosmah using a cautioned statement linked to the money laundering case.

“The statements and exhibits that have been tendered before the court in the solar case could directly or indirectly influence Justice Mohamed Zaini if he hears this (money laundering) case,” the document said.

It further stated that Rosmah’s rights to a fair trial were protected under the Federal Constitution.

“This right would be badly prejudiced and become pointless if Justice Mohamed Zaini hears the trial,” it said.

Rosmah also stated in the document that Justice Mohamed Zaini must recuse himself from hearing her money laundering case and the case should be transferred to a different court.

Rosmah’s lawyer Datuk Geethan Ram Vincent told the press that the case was fixed for case management before deputy registrar Catherine Nicholas here yesterday.

Rosmah, who is the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, is facing 12 money laundering charges amounting to about RM7,097,750 and five counts of failing to declare her income to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).

She allegedly committed the offences at Affin Bank Bhd, Cawangan Bangunan Getah Asli, Jalan Ampang between Dec 4, 2013, and June 8, 2017, and at the LHDN, Kompleks Bangunan Kerajaan, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim between May 1, 2014, and May 1, 2018.

The money laundering and tax evasion case, also before Justice Mohamed Zaini, is scheduled to begin after the corruption trial involving the solar hybrid project is over.

Rosmah is currently on trial for a charge of soliciting RM187.5mil and two counts of receiving bribes totalling RM6.5mil from Jepak Holdings’ former managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin involving the RM1.25bil solar hybrid project in Sarawak.