This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on September 27, 2018

PUTRAJAYA: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, spent over 12 hours being grilled by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) yesterday, in a marathon session that began from 10am. She only left at approximately 10.40pm.

On her way out, Rosmah — looking relaxed despite the long hours spent at the commission — flashed pressmen camped outside the building a quick smile and said: “I’m okay, Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God). My lawyers will answer [your questions].”

When asked for comments, her lawyer Datuk K Kumaraendran said: “Datin Seri (Rosmah) has completed giving her statement to MACC.” But he declined to answer further questions and left the premises soon after.

Speculation has been rife that Rosmah would be charged this week, and that she could face up to 20 criminal charges related to money laundering. But according to Malaysiakini, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki has brushed off allegations that Rosmah would be charged today. “No, [she’s not going to be charged],” he reportedly said in a text message to the news portal.

The news portal also reported, citing sources, that she had requested for an extended questioning session so that she would not need to be summoned repeatedly.

Rosmah, who arrived at the MACC premises at 9.50am clad in a green baju kurung, appeared to have spent the entire 12 hours at the commission’s headquarters. Only her lawyers, driver and assistants were seen stepping out briefly twice — presumably to have lunch and dinner.

Yesterday was her second round of questioning by the MACC, said to be in relation to its investigation into graft allegations at SRC International Sdn Bhd — a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). She last went in for questioning on June 5 and that session lasted over three hours.

Last week, Azam said the commission would not dismiss the possibility of Rosmah being prosecuted soon. On Monday, MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull was reported as saying that the MACC had completed its probe on Rosmah and that a report has been submitted to the attorney-general for the next move.

Rosmah’s penchant for branded goods have raised eyebrows when questions were first raised over the financial irregularities that allegedly took place at 1MDB, a strategic investment fund Najib founded and where he was chairman of the advisory board.

In May, Malaysian authorities seized up to RM1.1 billion worth of goods from homes linked to Najib, including luxury items like 567 designer handbags, some 12,000 pieces of jewellery, and 423 watches.

Last Thursday, Najib, who was also formerly the finance minister, was charged with four counts of power abuse and 21 counts of money laundering involving nearly RM2.3 billion worth of 1MDB funds that went into his personal account.

Together with the one count of power abuse and three counts of money laundering he was charged with in June in relation to RM42 million allegedly misappropriated from SRC, he now faces five counts of power abuse and 24 counts of money laundering. He has denied all wrongdoing.