Rosmah claims trial to amended charge
Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor (centre) arriving at Kuala Lumpur court complex today. Pix by NSTP/Mahzir Mat Isa
By Khairah N. Karim - May 10, 2019 @ 1:49pm
KUALA LUMPUR: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has pleaded not guilty to an amended charge of receiving RM5 million in kickbacks over a solar hybrid project for 396 rural schools in Sarawak.
The wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak made the plea after the charge was read to her again today before Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi.
Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar told the court that the prosecution had made an amendment to the address of the alleged offence in the charge that was first read to the accused on April 10.
According to the charge sheet, Rosmah, 68, purportedly received the money as a reward to help Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd obtain a RM1.25 billion Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar System Integrated Project and Maintenance and Operation of Genset/Diesel, a solar hybrid project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak through direct negotiation from the Education Ministry.
The alleged offence according to the amended version was committed at her official residence in Seri Perdana, Persiaran Seri Perdana, Precinct 10 in Putrajaya on Dec 20, 2016.
The charge framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 carries a maximum jail term of 20 years with a fine of up to five times the value of the graft or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
Dusuki had also informed the court that an application to have the case transferred to the High Court has been made.
“The High Court has fixed May 28 for case management for further process,” he said
