IPOH: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed claims that he influenced the Kuala Lumpur High Court to acquit and discharge Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor of her 12 money laundering charges.
The Prime Minister said it was absurd to think he could simply call up judges and tell them what to do.
"It's unreasonable to think that my administration is like the previous one, where a prime minister could instruct judges.
"I did not meet or discuss with any judges about the decision," he told reporters after launching DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang's "Malaysian First" books here on Friday (Dec 20).
"We respect the court's decision. If the Attorney General (AG) wants to appeal, it's up to him," he said.
In his ruling on Thursday (Dec 19), Justice K. Muniandy said that the prosecution had failed to present key elements of the money laundering charges against Rosmah.
AG Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar stated on Friday (Dec 20) that they have filed an appeal.
On Oct 4, 2018, Rosmah pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of money laundering involving RM7,097,750 and five charges for failing to declare her income to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
The charges were framed under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.
Anwar said the decision should not be controversial.
"There are various interpretations of the decision... we will read and go through the details," he said.
On Tun Musa Aman's appointment as the 11th Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT) of Sabah, Anwar said it was done according to the state constitution and he was appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"If the Agong consented, I accept it and I hope Musa becomes a good TYT for Sabah," he said.
"The decision to acquit him (Musa) was in 2020 when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was prime minister.
"If there's a case, it will be brought to court. If not, then the case is closed," he said.
In June 2020, Musa was acquitted and discharged of all 46 criminal charges related to timber concessions in Sabah after the prosecution withdrew the charges.
