ROSMAH Mansor has failed in her bid to disqualify Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan from hearing and making a decision on her RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project trial.

The judge dismissed the eleventh-hour application after deliberating on submissions from Rosmah’s lead counsel Jagjit Singh.

“The two documents are the opinion of the KL Court Research Unit. They are not judgmental for me and were not done on my instruction. They just remain as opinions.

“I hope the research department accepts my apology but I didn’t read those opinions. I did my own research.

“I’ve always done my work as laboriously. I’ve written more than 200 judgments to date by myself.

“Everyone can make their own opinion but at the end of the day, the only option that matters is my own. That will form the basis of my decision,” Zaini said.

Zaini said many do not realise how difficult a judge’s job is.

He said judges are not there to be popular or to make popular decisions.

He also said he does not hold any prejudice against Rosmah and that all decisions to dismiss the application were made on facts and law.

“I have no prejudice towards her.

“The decision on her case was based on facts and law.

“Whatever personal feelings, we leave at the doorstep,” he said.

On Tuesday, Rosmah’s lawyer filed a last-minute application to recuse Zaini through Messrs Akberdin & Co.

In the application sighted by The Malaysian Insight, Rosmah sought to recuse Zaini over a document leaked to the press, which supposedly contains Zaini’s written judgment in the case.

He was initially set to deliver his verdict on the corruption trial this morning.

Earlier today, Zaini turned down Jagjit’s request for adjournment pending investigation and submission on this matter.

Zaini insisted the submission be heard today, stating that the defence had submitted a certificate of urgency along with the application. – September 1, 2022.