Malaysia’s High Court acquitted Rosmah Mansor, wife of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, on charges of money laundering and tax evasion. The court’s decision on Thursday cited a lack of sufficient grounds to uphold the charges against her.
Since Najib’s unexpected electoral defeat in 2018, both he and Rosmah have faced numerous investigations related to corruption, primarily due to the massive scandal involving the state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Despite the allegations, both have consistently maintained their innocence.
Ongoing Legal Battles: While Rosmah celebrated this acquittal, she remains under legal scrutiny. She is currently out on bail as she appeals a 2022 conviction where she was sentenced to 10 years in prison for soliciting and receiving bribes in connection with a $279 million solar power project during her husband’s administration.
Public Perception: Rosmah has been a controversial figure in Malaysia, often criticized for her lavish lifestyle. Over 500 luxury handbags and more than 12,000 pieces of jewelry were among the items seized from properties linked to her during the 1MDB investigations, highlighting her opulent taste.
Court’s Rationale: According to the High Court’s judgment, the 12 charges of money laundering and five counts of tax evasion against Rosmah were dismissed for lacking “probity, propriety, and legality.”
Rosmah’s Reaction: Expressing her gratitude at a livestreamed press conference, Rosmah stated, “I also want to thank the judge who has made the right decision. This is what I call justice and this is the kind of justice that everybody should have.”
Parallel Developments: This acquittal comes on the heels of the dropping of corruption charges against Najib related to 1MDB, due to procedural issues and the prosecution’s failure to disclose crucial evidence. Najib himself continues to face trials over his alleged involvement in the 1MDB scandal, which authorities claim led to the misappropriation of around $4.5 billion between 2009 and 2014. In another case, he was convicted of corruption and money laundering in 2022, initially receiving a 12-year sentence which was later reduced by a pardon’s board.
This legal outcome marks another chapter in the ongoing saga of Malaysia’s battle against corruption at the highest levels, with significant implications for public trust in the judicial system and political accountability.
