KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 23): The defence in Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor's RM1.25 billion solar-hybrid project corruption trial on Wednesday (Feb 23, 2022) closed its case at the High Court here after a 42-day trial in a span of about three years during which 23 prosecution and two defence witnesses including Rosmah testified in the case.

High Court Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan on Wednesday fixed April 5, 2022 to hear the oral submissions for the case involving Rosmah, who is former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's wife.

He ordered the prosecution and defence in Rosmah's case to file their written submissions on March 9 and March 30, 2022 respectively.

Rosmah is facing corruption and money laundering charges. News reports indicated that the three corruption charges involve a RM1.25 billion solar-hybrid project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak.

It was reported that she is charged with soliciting, through her aide Datuk Rizal Mansor, a RM187.5 million bribe from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin in exchange for her assistance in ensuring the award of the government project to Jepak.

It was reported that Rosmah's trial for charges of money laundering and tax evasion involving RM7.09 million would begin in November 2021.

At the High Court on Wednesday (Feb 23, 2022), lawyers Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader and Datuk Jagjit Singh led the defence in Rosmah's RM1.25 billion solar-hybrid project corruption trial.

Prior to the closing of the defence's case, Akberdin and Jagjit had sought the High Court's permission to recall Saidi, the 17th prosecution witness (PW17) in Rosmah's corruption trial, for further cross-examination by the defence.

Mohamed Zaini however rejected the defence's request to recall Saidi.

"This court noticed that this witness (Saidi) had undergone many days of cross-examination and that the defence wishes to revisit the matter.

"The court is of the view that the defence has not raised valid grounds or given reasons for the justification of calling PW17 to be recalled," Mohamed Zaini said.

Mohamed Zaini said the High Court considers justice seriously and that the defence's application to recall Saidi was made under the Criminal Procedure Code to recall any witnesses.

Citing a court judgement, Mohamed Zaini said justice cannot be viewed solely from the angles of the prosecution, accused and defence in a case but should be seen with the aim of having an orderly society.

The defence on Wednesday (Feb 23, 2022) closed its case in Rosmah's RM1.25 billion solar-hybrid project corruption trial at the High Court after former head of the First Lady of Malaysia division in the Prime Minister's Office Datuk Seri Siti Azizah Sheikh Abod gave her testimony.