THE Kuala Lumpur High Court will on July 7 deliver its decision on Rosmah Mansor’s corruption trial in connection with a RM1.25 billion solar project for rural schools in Sarawak.

“We’ve reached the end of the road. Time to complete the journey,” judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan said today.

“I propose to take two months from today and I propose to have my full written judgment on July 7 when I deliver my decision,” 

Zaini said he would deliver his decision at 9am on said date.

The trial began in February 2020 and ended on February 23 this year, after 42 days of hearing. Twenty-three prosecution and two defence witnesses, including Rosmah, testified.

Former education minister Mahdzir Khalid and Rosmah’s aide Rizal Mansor were among the 23 prosecution witnesses. 

The prosecution and the defence were scheduled to present their submissions on April 5, but that was adjourned to today after the prosecution asked for more time to prepare. 

Earlier today, lead prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram submitted two more case laws as authorities for the prosecution.

Defence lead counsel Akberdin Abdul Kader asked for time to reply.

Judge Zaini granted the request and ordered the defence to reply via written submission.

“Don’t worry, I will definitely go through the submissions. I have already gone through your earlier submission at least once and I will go through it again. I give my word that yours will be the last say,” he said.

Rosmah is charged with soliciting RM187.5 million and receiving bribes totalling RM6.5 million from Jepak Holdings managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin for help in landing a billion-ringgit government contract to outfit rural schools in Sarawak with solar equipment.

The bribes were allegedly received through her aide Rizal as inducement and reward for helping Jepak Holdings to secure RM1.25 billion worth of contracts for the hybrid photovoltaic solar system integrated project and the maintenance and operation of diesel generator sets for 369 Sarawak rural schools.  – May 12, 2022.