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KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court judge presiding over the Rosmah Mansor 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 relation to the RM 1.25 billion solar project for Sarawak schools.
Zaini made the suggestion to the prosecution and defense attorneys when the Rosmah money laundering case was brought up today.
“Haven’t you thought about getting another judge? Think about it. Otherwise, we can keep it here, ”he said.
Rosmah is charged with 17 counts of money laundering and tax evasion amounting to RM7.09 million. The money laundering trial was suspended to make way for his corruption case.
Rosmah’s attorney, Geethan Ram Vincent, said he understood Zaini set February 10 for filings in the corruption case.
The deputy prosecutor, Poh Yin Tinn, told the court that they should consult the chief prosecutor, Gopal Sri Ram, at the suggestion of the judge.
“We have no instructions (for the case to be heard before another judge) for now,” he said.
Zaini then set February 25 for further mention of the money laundering case.
Last week, the prosecution concluded the corruption case against the former prime minister’s wife after calling 23 witnesses.
Rosmah faces three corruption charges for allegedly requesting RM187.5 million from Saidi Abang Samsudin, Managing Director of Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd, as an incentive to help the company secure a solar project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak, at a cost of RM1.25 billion. through direct negotiation with the Ministry of Education.
She is also accused of receiving bribes worth RM6.5 million from Saidi between 2016 and 2017.
