Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged all parties to respect the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision to acquit and discharge Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, from charges of money laundering and tax evasion.
Speaking during a press conference at the Chemomoi Agropolitan Latex Complex near Felda Chemomoi, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of upholding the judicial institution’s decision. “When Datin Seri Rosmah is released and acquitted, it signifies that we must honor the court's judgment, which has ruled in her favor,” he said. He also called on everyone to refrain from disputing the verdict.
The court’s ruling, delivered by Judge K. Muniandy, absolved Rosmah of 12 charges under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001 involving RM7.09 million. Additionally, she was acquitted of five charges related to failing to submit income statements to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) for the assessment years 2013 to 2017.
Rosmah was accused of committing these offenses between December 4, 2013, and June 8, 2017, at a bank and the IRB office in Kuala Lumpur. The prosecution alleged that she failed to comply with Section 77(1) of the Income Tax Act 1967, which mandates individuals to submit their income tax returns, thereby contravening Section 112 of the same act.
Despite this acquittal, Rosmah’s legal battles are not over. She is currently appealing her conviction and sentencing in a separate case involving a hybrid solar energy project for rural schools in Sarawak. In September 2022, Judge Datuk Mohamed Zaini Mazlan sentenced her to 10 years in prison and imposed a RM970 million fine for three corruption charges. The appeal proceedings for this case are scheduled for March 5 next year.
Rosmah’s acquittal has sparked diverse reactions, with some applauding the court’s decision as a testament to the rule of law, while others remain critical of the judicial outcome. Ahmad Zahid’s statement highlights the need for public trust in Malaysia’s legal system and the importance of respecting court decisions, regardless of differing opinions.
As the legal proceedings surrounding Rosmah continue to unfold, her recent acquittal marks a significant chapter in a highly publicized legal saga.
Information Source: SinarHarian
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