Rosmah in tears during corruption trial

Rosmah in tears during corruption trial

Rosmah Mansor broke down today during her corruption trial linked to the RM1.25 billion solar hybrid energy project, claiming it was all selective and malicious prosecution.

The wife of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak was sobbing loudly when she was testifying during proceedings before the Kuala Lumpur High Court today.

The accused was visibly wiping her eyes as she claimed that the three corruption charges against her were malicious and selective prosecution.

She questioned why certain other prosecution witnesses like then education minister Mahdzir Khalid and her former special officer Rizal Mansor were not charged over the project awarded to Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd.

Other prosecution witnesses that she asked why no legal action was taken against for their alleged involvement in the matter are former education ministry secretary-generals Madinah Mohamed and Alias Ahmad, as well as Jepak Holdings’ former managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin.

Rosmah claimed that the prosecution, instead of charging these witnesses, had called them to testify and “point fingers” against her, who had no official positions in government and was unable to greenlight the project.

“This is a heinous and malicious act against me and my family.

“This is also a form of malicious and selective prosecution against me,” she said before sobbing loudly in court.

Her visible crying caused her lead defence counsel, Akberdin Abdul Kader, to ask whether she was okay, to which the accused replied she was fine and could continue with her testimony.



Former education minister Mahdzir Khalid

Rosmah also questioned why the prosecution did not call to the witness stand or charge Pekan Umno division secretary Aazmey Abu Talib, who the court previously heard had allegedly received bribe in order to help Saidi secure the minutes of then-premier Najib.

It was contended that the minutes played a role in Jepak Holdings securing the solar hybrid energy project.

Facing three charges

Rosmah, 70, is facing three charges under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.

In the first charge, she is accused of soliciting RM187.5 million in bribes from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd to help secure an Education Ministry project.

The RM1.25 billion project was intended to supply power to 369 rural schools in Sarawak using a combination of solar and diesel energy.

In the second and third charges, she is accused of receiving RM1.5 million and RM5 million in bribes respectively as a reward for securing the project.

In the opening statement by her defence team yesterday, Rosmah contended that Rizal was the actual mastermind behind the corruption case.

On Jan 8 last year, the prosecution applied to drop charges against Rizal in return for his testimony against Rosmah.

On Feb 18 this year, the High Court ordered Rosmah to enter her defence, following its finding that the prosecution succeeded in establishing a prima facie case against her.

Today is the second day of the defence stage of the trial, with proceedings before judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan expected to resume tomorrow morning.