Rosmah Mansor’s defence team today has closed its case in her corruption trial linked to the RM1.25 billion solar hybrid energy project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak.
Her lawyers Akberdin Abdul Kader, Jagjit Singh, and Azrul Z Stork wrapped up arguments during open-court proceedings before the Kuala Lumpur High Court this afternoon.
Earlier today, the final defence witness, Siti Azizah Sheikh Abod - who used to be the coordinator of the First Lady of Malaysia (FLOM) Division under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) - wrapped up her testimony after being cross-examined by the prosecution as well as re-examination by the defence team.
The judge then set April 5 for oral submissions at the end of the defence’s case.
"March 9 is set for the prosecution to file written submissions, March 30 for the defence to file written submissions, and April 5 for oral submissions.
"25 witnesses (23 from the prosecution, two from the defence including Rosmah herself) testified during 42 days of trial," Zaini told parties.
Rosmah (above), who is the wife of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, 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 the 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 as a reward for securing the project.
On Feb 18 last 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.
Rosmah also has a pending RM7 million money laundering and tax evasion case that has yet to go for a full hearing.
Court dismisses Rosmah’s bid to recall key prosecution witness
During the solar graft trial today, Zaini also dismissed an application by Rosmah’s legal team to recall key prosecution witness Saidi Abang Samsudin to be cross-examined.
The accused’s lawyers had submitted earlier today that the former managing director of Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd ought to be recalled to be grilled over the alleged contradiction in his testimony against Rosmah.
The defence had contended that Saidi’s testimony - that he handed the RM1.5 million to Rosmah - contradicted the alleged statement he gave to MACC prior to the solar corruption trial.
In response, Sri Ram had argued against the recall bid being allowed, on grounds that the application was filed 18 months after Saidi last gave evidence in court in August 2020.
The DPP submitted that such a witness-recall application should only be allowed if there is a truly valid reason to do so, and he contended there are none in the present one.
Zaini then dismissed the recall application, ruling that Saidi has been sufficiently questioned during his time on the witness stand over the issue.
The judge ruled that the defence has no valid grounds to recall the prosecution witness and that it would not serve in the interest of justice to allow the application.
“Justice cannot be viewed only from the prosecutor or accused person but towards an orderly society,” Zaini said. - Mkini
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