I had no hand in Rosmah’s acquittal, says PM

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government respects the court’s decision to acquit Rosmah Mansor and that it is within the attorney-general’s discretion to appeal. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has denied any involvement in the High Court’s decision to acquit Rosmah Mansor of 17 money laundering and tax evasion charges without going through a full trial.

Anwar also said the government respects the court’s decision and if the attorney-general (AG) chooses to appeal, that was entirely within their discretion.

“I don’t think this should become controversial.

“Many of them in the opposition have been granted a DNAA (discharge not amounting to an acquittal),” he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian after launching DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang’s biography in Ipoh today.

“This decision (Rosmah’s acquittal) has been made. We will read and review the judge’s decision.”

On Wednesday, High Court judge K Muniandy ruled that the charges brought against Rosmah, wife of former prime minister Najib Razak, were illegal and flawed as they did not comply with provisions in the Criminal Procedure Code.

The prosecution has since filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal seeking to reverse Rosmah’s acquittal.

Rosmah’s acquittal has sparked criticism from various quarters, with NGOs calling on Anwar to set a clear timeline for the separation of the public prosecutor’s function from the Attorney-General’s Chambers. They also claimed the AG’s tenure is influenced by the prime minister.

Anwar also went on to say that his administration would not repeat past practices where a prime minister could influence judicial decisions.

“I have not met with any judges, nor have I discussed court decisions with the chief justice.”

Agong appointed Musa Aman as Sabah governor,says Anwar 

Separately, Anwar clarified that he had no authority over the appointment of Musa Aman as Sabah’s 11th governor as such decisions were under the jurisdiction of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“If the Agong has given his consent, what is my stance? I accept the decision and pray that Musa will be a good governor,” Anwar said, according to a Harian Metro report.

Anwar also questioned why some are raising issues over Musa’s appointment, given that he was acquitted of corruption and money laundering charges

He said Musa was acquitted in 2020 during the tenure of then-prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

On June 9, 2020, Musa was cleared of 46 charges related to the awarding of logging contracts during his time as Sabah’s chief minister. - FMT