ROSMAH Mansor’s corruption trial over the supply and installation of solar energy at 369 rural schools in Sarawak will resume at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on April 15.

Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib said the court vacated the hearing dates that were earlier set from April 6 to April 14 following the extension of the government’s movement control order (MCO).

“The prosecution received an email today notifying us that the trial, which was scheduled to resume from April 6 till April 14, has been vacated. The other trial dates that were earlier scheduled from April 15 to 16, April 20 to 23, and April 28 to 30, are retained,” he said today.

The defence will continue to cross-examine the 12th prosecution witness, former education ministry secretary-general Alias Ahmad, when the trial commences before judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan.

Rosmah, 68, faces one charge of soliciting RM187.5 million and two counts of receiving a bribe of RM6.5 million from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin through her former aide, Rizal Mansor, as gratification for helping the company secure a RM1.25 billion Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar System Integrated Project and Maintenance and Operation of Genset/Diesel for the 369 rural schools through direct negotiation with the ministry.

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

The former prime minister’s wife was initially supposed to be tried with Rizal, who was charged with four counts of soliciting and receiving bribes on behalf of Rosmah over the project.

However, on January 8, the court acquitted Rizal of the charges after the prosecution withdrew all four charges against him.

Rosmah also faces 12 charges of money laundering involving RM7,097,750 and five counts of failing to declare her income to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). 

The case has been fixed for trial in May this year. – Bernama, March 31, 2020.