ROSMAH Mansor’s corruption case in relation to a solar-hybrid project for rural schools in Sarawak has been transferred from the Sessions Court to the high court.

Kuala Lumpur High Court justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah overruled objections from the defence team, saying the primary reason for the transfer application on grounds of “expedient for the ends of justice” was sufficient.

Prosecutors will apply to try Rosmah jointly with Rizal Mansor, who worked as a special officer for her husband, former prime minister Najib Razak.

Rizal’s case was transferred to the high court after the defence team’s application.

Both Rizal and Rosmah were charged with corruption in relation to an RM187.5 million bribe from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin in 2016.

The money was an inducement for Rosmah to assist the company in securing the hybrid photovoltaic system integrated project and the maintenance and operation of the generator sets or diesel for 369 rural schools in Sarawak, worth RM1.2 billion through direct negotiation from the Education Ministry.

Rosmah’s lawyer Jagjit Singh had objected to the prosecution’s transfer application, insisting that his client’s trials be conducted at the Sessions Court as there are three courts specialising in hearing corruption cases. 

He also questioned why Rosmah and Rizal were charged separately on November 15. 

Lead prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram told the court that government lawyers had no control over where accused persons would be charged, as the charges were registered in the court’s electronic filing system and randomly assigned.

On November 15 last year, Rosmah, 67, pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to two counts of soliciting RM187.5 million and receiving RM1.5 million for projects to provide solar energy to 369 rural schools in Sarawak.

On the same day, Rizal, 46, pleaded not guilty to four counts of soliciting and accepting bribes for himself and Rosmah, amounting to RM5.5 million, involving the supply of equipment and installation of the solar hybrid system for rural schools in Sarawak.

They were charged under Section 16(a) (A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, and faces imprisonment for up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount of the gratification of RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. – March 15, 2019.