Thursday 28 Mar 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 15): Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who is currently facing 17 money-laundering and tax evasion charges, has arrived at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex to face corruption charges allegedly involving an RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project for schools in Sarawak. 

Rosmah, 66, arrived at 2.06pm wearing a yellow baju kurung alongside her husband, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Also to be charged in relation to the solar hybrid project is Datuk Rizal Mansor, former special officer to Najib, according to a statement by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) yesterday.

Rizal, 44, arrived at 2.10pm, wearing a dark blue batik. 

The project in the spotlight involves installation of solar panels to 369 schools in rural Sarawak. It was allegedly signed off by Najib to a Bintulu-based car rental company, without going through an open tender process.

In June, a 59-year-old company managing director and a 30-year-old lawyer have been remanded in connection with the solar panel project for schools in Sarawak.

Separately, former education minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid was called in by the MACC on Oct 16, 2018 to assist investigations into the solar hybrid power project.

A local news agency reported saying Rosmah and Rizal may be hit with at least six charges involving RM6.5 million, quoting an MACC source.

Rosmah’s charges will be read against her in front of Sessions Court Justice Azman Ahmad, whereas Rizal’s charges will be read in front of Sessions Court Justice Rozina Ayob.

The case numbers are: WA-62R-54-11/2018 Rosmah binti Mansor vs Public Prosecutor, and WA-61R-25-11/2018 Rizal bin Mansor vs Public Prosecutor.

On Oct 4, Rosmah was slapped with 17 charges under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLA) 2001, involving just under RM7.1 million transferred into her personal bank account between 2013 and 2017.

Thirteen of those charges underline a five-year jail time and a maximum RM5 million fine each, whereas the remaining four charges entail the punishment of up to 15 years’ jail time and RM5 million fine or five times the value earned from the crime, whichever is higher.

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