Prosecution files appeal against Rosmah's acquittal


Rosmah arriving at the court complex on Dec 19 to hear the outcome of her application. – BERNAMA filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: The prosecution has filed an appeal against Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor's acquittal and discharge on 12 charges of money laundering involving over RM7mil, and five charges of failing to declare her income to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).

On Thursday (Dec 19), the High Court here granted the application by Rosmah, 73, to quash all 17 charges filed against her.

The court subsequently ordered that Rosmah, the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, be acquitted and discharged on all charges.

Attorney General (AG) Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said in a statement on Friday (Dec 20) that "a notice of appeal was filed by the prosecution today against the entirety of the High Court’s decision, which will be decided by the Court of Appeal."

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In his ruling on Thursday, Justice K. Muniandy determined that the prosecution had failed to present the key elements of the offence of money laundering in the charges brought against Rosmah.

On Oct 4, 2018 Rosmah pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of money laundering, involving RM7,097,750, and five counts for failing to declare her income to LHDN.

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The offences were allegedly committed at Affin Bank Berhad, Bangunan Getah Asli branch, Ground Floor, 148 Jalan Ampang here between Dec 4, 2013 and June 8, 2017; and at the LHDN at Kompleks Bangunan Kerajaan, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim here between May 1, 2014 and May 1, 2018.

The money laundering charges were framed under Section 4(1) (a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, punishable under Section 4(1) of the same Act.

This offence is punishable by imprisonment of up to 15 years and a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the illegal proceeds or RM5mil, whichever is higher, upon conviction.

The tax evasion charges were brought under Section 77(1) of the Income Tax Act 1967, which required her to submit her income returns for the assessment years 2013 to 2017 to the LHDN director-general on or by April 30 of 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, without reasonable excuse, in contravention of Section 112 of the Act.

Additionally, Rosmah is also appealing her conviction, 10-year imprisonment sentence, and RM970mil fine in a corruption case involving a solar hybrid project for 369 rural schools.

The hearing of her appeal is scheduled for March 5 next year at the Court of Appeal. – Bernama

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