Rosmah Mansor claimed that Lebanese jeweller, Global Royalty Trading SAL (GRTS), delivered 44 pieces of jewellery worth RM67.46 million to her in 2018, with no obligation to purchase.
The wife of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak further claimed that no documents accompanied the delivery, nor did she request that the items be sent to her.
She said this at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today as the sole defendant in a RM67.46 million civil suit filed by the jeweller against her.
“At the material time, I was the wife of the prime minister of Malaysia. Therefore, the 44 pieces of jewellery were delivered to me for two reasons
“Firstly, it was delivered to me for my inspection and/or viewing with the hope or expectation that I would purchase the jewellery.
“Secondly, they were delivered to me with the aim and intention that I would wear or use the jewellery so that the jewellery would attract, garner, and obtain publicity and credibility through me among local and foreign dignitaries and elites.
“Thus, the jewellery was delivered to me for the plaintiff’s own benefit and as a form of promotion of the items,” Rosmah said in her witness statement.
Later, the atmosphere in the courtroom heated up during cross-examination as Rosmah was grilled by the plaintiff’s lawyer, David Gurupatham.
David asked whether she accepts RM67.46 million worth of jewellery every day and whether it was normal to receive such high-value items without documentation.
While Rosmah replied in the negative, she retorted at the counsel after being continuously asked to respond rapidly.
“I am just trying to make out your question. I am computing it in my head. Give me time, don’t harass me.
“I’m computing what you just said, and then you get angry with me. Give me a second, please.
“You asked me if I get this consignment all the time, without any documents. Not all,” Rosmah said.
‘Business of promoting products’
The argument went further after David asked whether Rosmah was in the “business of promoting products” at the time.
David: As the wife of the prime minister, are you in the business of promoting products of jewellery companies?
Rosmah: You said he (the plaintiff) was a friend, right?
David: I’m asking you a simple question. Are you in the business of promoting a product as the prime minister’s wife?
Rosmah: No.
David then thanked her for her answer, to which she responded in kind.
‘No jewellery lent for publicity’
Earlier, the plaintiff’s witness Samer Hassib Halimeh, the company’s founder and principal, said the company does not lend jewellery for publicity purposes.
He also testified that a close commercial relationship had developed between his company and Rosmah over time and through repeated transactions.
Samer told the court that there was a memorandum documenting the 44 pieces of jewellery sent to Rosmah eight years ago, but no payment was made.
“Under the memorandum, title to the jewellery remained at all times the sole and exclusive property of GRTS unless and until a bill of sale was issued following full payment.
“The defendant was granted possession for inspection and potential purchase only.
“The memorandum states that during the consignment period, the recipient assumes responsibility for the jewellery,” he said, adding that if the jewellery is not returned, the recipient is required to pay its full value.
Samer also claimed that Rosmah had signed the memorandum acknowledging receipt of the items and that she did not arrange for payment for any of the jewellery.
“Instead, in a letter dated May 22, 2018, she (Rosmah) represented that the jewellery had been seized by Malaysian authorities.”
Pieces include diamond necklaces, tiaras
In 2018, GRTS filed a suit against Rosmah for 44 pieces of jewellery to be returned, but later withdrew it. It refiled the suit in 2023.
The jeweller had sought a declaration from the court that it is the rightful owner of the jewellery, which included diamond necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and tiaras, as well as a mandatory order for the items to be returned or, alternatively, if those items cannot be returned, that Rosmah pays the amount stated based on the value of the jewellery.
The present civil action is only over 43 jewellery pieces, as the authorities have returned one of the pieces to GRTS.
Rosmah, in 2025, was allowed to include the government and police as the third parties in the suit, due to her claims that the items in contention were not in her possession and had been seized by the authorities.
The trial before judge Quay Chew Soon continues tomorrow. - Mkini
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