LEAD prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram said that the prosecution team was merely carrying out its duty in ensuring the conviction of Rosmah Mansor for corruption charges today. 

He said the prosecution had nothing to benefit with the decision delivered today, adding that it has no personal interest in the case. 

“None of the deputy prosecutors and investigating officers have any personal interest in this case, nor do I. 

“We were just tasked to do our job and we did the job,” Sri Ram told reporters after Rosmah’s verdict was delivered in Kuala Lumpur High Court today. 

Rosmah was sentenced to 10 years in jail and fined RM970 million after being found guilty of corruption in connection with the RM1.25 billion Sarawak rural schools’ solar energy project.

With this, she is the first among the wives of former prime ministers to face prison time.

The court, however, granted her stay of execution, pending an appeal to the Court of Appeal. 

When questioned whether he was happy with the decision delivered today, Sri Ram reiterated that it is not about their feelings, but carrying out the task given to them. 

“We are not happy or unhappy about anything. 

“We are just here to do our job then we get on to the next stage. 

“It is not our role to be happy when someone is sentenced,” he added. 

Sri Ram credited the deputy public prosecutors and investigating officers for doing an outstanding job in this case. 

“I could not have done it if not for the strong support they provided me. 

“The victors today were deputy prosecutors and investigating officers,” he said. 

The court case started in February 2020 and ended on February 23 this year, after a 44-day trial.

Twenty-three prosecution witnesses took the stand while only two defence witnesses were called in, including Rosmah, wife of former prime minister Najib Razak, who himself is currently serving 12 years in jail for corruption. 

Sri Ram also dismissed claims of selective prosecution against Rosmah. 

When asked why no action was taken against her former aide Rizal Mansor, who became a prosecution witness, Sri Ram simply said it was the prosecutors’ discretion. 

“Sometimes it is necessary for the public prosecutor to weigh a balance – who has committed a crime and whose evidence is necessary to bring forward the charge. 

“If you have a gang of robbers, with three robbers charged and a fourth giving evidence, (there is) nothing unusual about it. 

“I think this is normal,” he said. 

Rizal, former aide to Rosmah, has had his criminal charges withdrawn by the prosecution in a corruption case involving RM5 million in kickbacks over a solar hybrid project.

Rizal was earlier jointly charged with Rosmah in the case. – September 1, 2022.