KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court judge presiding over Rosmah Mansor’s money laundering trial today offered to recuse himself from the case if the prosecution wanted another judge to hear the case.
Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan is also hearing Rosmah’s corruption trial in connection with the RM1.25 billion solar project for Sarawak schools.
Zaini made the suggestion to prosecution and defence lawyers when Rosmah’s money laundering case was mentioned today.
“Have you not given any thoughts about getting another judge? Think about that. Otherwise, we can maintain it here,” he said.
Rosmah is charged with 17 counts of money laundering and tax evasion involving a sum of RM7.09 million. The money laundering trial was put on hold to make way for her corruption case.
Rosmah’s lawyer, Geethan Ram Vincent, said he understood that Zaini set Feb 10 for submissions in the corruption case.
Deputy public prosecutor Poh Yin Tinn told the court they need to consult the lead prosecutor, Gopal Sri Ram, on the judge’s suggestion.
“We have no instruction (to have the case heard before another judge) for now,” he said.
Zaini then fixed Feb 25 for further case mention of the money laundering case.
Last week, the prosecution wrapped up the corruption case against the former prime minister’s wife after calling 23 witnesses.
Rosmah faces three counts of corruption for allegedly soliciting RM187.5 million from Saidi Abang Samsudin, managing director of Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd, as an inducement to help the company secure a solar project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak, costing RM1.25 billion, through direct negotiation with the education ministry.
She is also accused of receiving bribes amounting to RM6.5 million from Saidi between 2016 and 2017.