Rosmah’s case transferred to High Court
KUALA LUMPUR: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s second corruption case involving RM5 million in kickbacks over a solar hybrid project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak has been transferred to the High Court.
Judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali made the order after allowing an application by deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib for the case, which originated from the Sessions Court, to be transferred to the High Court. However, the date for case management at the High Court will be fixed later.
Counsel Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader, who represented Rosmah, did not object to the application.
On May 10, Rosmah, the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, pleaded not guilty to receiving a bribe of RM5 million from Saidi Abang Samsudin, 60, who is Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director through her aide Datuk Rizal Mansor.
According to the charge sheet, Rosmah purportedly received the money as a reward to help the company obtain a RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project known as the Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar System Integrated Project and Maintenance and Operation of Genset/Diesel, for 369 rural schools in Sarawak through direct negotiations from the Education Ministry.
She allegedly committed the offence at her home in Jalan Langgak Duta, Taman Duta, here, on Dec 20, 2016.
The charge, under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, carries a maximum jail term of 20 years with a fine of up to five times the value of the graft or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
On Nov 15 last year, Rosmah was charged with two counts of soliciting RM187.5 million and receiving RM1.5 million for the same project.