On October 22, 2024, it was reported that the two-day hearing of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor's appeal against her conviction and sentence—10 years in jail and an RM970 million fine for the 369 solar hybrid rural schools graft case—scheduled for Wednesday (Oct 23), has been postponed. Additionally, Rosmah is appealing for the recusal of trial judge Datuk Mohamed Zaini Mazlan (now a Court of Appeal judge), who decided to stay on and deliver his verdict. A case management date has been set for Nov 7, likely to fix a new hearing date.
Rosmah, 72, was found guilty by the High Court in 2022 for soliciting RM187.5 million from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd’s former managing director, Saidi Abang Samsudin, related to the RM1.25 billion project awarded by the Education Ministry between April and August 2016. She was also accused of receiving RM5 million and RM1.5 million from Saidi at her private residence in Jalan Langgak Duta and the prime minister’s official residence in Seri Perdana between Dec 20, 2016, and Sept 7, 2017.
All three charges were framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act. Rosmah was found guilty after Judge Zaini determined that her defense failed to raise reasonable doubt about her involvement in receiving the bribes.
But today, we’re not here to talk about her legal battles – we’re talking about her hair. Despite the controversies, one thing about Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor stands out: her thick, luscious black locks. In 2015, she revealed spending RM1,200 on house calls by stylists just to maintain her hair, while Malaysia’s minimum wage was only RM900 a month at the time. That’s more than a month’s salary for many! But what if I told you that you could spend less than a quarter of that and still achieve hair as full and vibrant as hers? Let’s uncover the secrets behind her iconic look.
1. Eat Quinoa (high in lysine)
Rosmah's husband, former Prime Minister Najib Razak, once shared that he doesn’t eat rice but prefers quinoa. “I don’t eat rice, but quinoa. My son introduced me to quinoa, a food from Peru,” Najib mentioned during a question-and-answer session. He explained that quinoa has fewer carbohydrates and sugar, making it “better than rice,” a point he emphasized during a live TV discussion on the 2018 Budget. As Najib’s wife, it’s likely that Rosmah also includes quinoa in her diet.
Quinoa is rich in lysine (also called L-lysine), an essential amino acid that plays a key role in protein production. Since the body doesn’t produce lysine, it must be obtained through food. Lysine can benefit hair health by addressing hair loss, dandruff, brittle hair, and improving hair elasticity. It's a crucial amino acid for hair growth, helping to ensure hair remains strong, resilient, and less prone to damage.
Other rich sources of lysine include tempeh, eggs, red meat especially beef and cheese especially parmesan.
2. Consume enough iron
In 2014, Rosmah's husband and former Prime Minister Najib Razak questioned why the government was always blamed when prices of goods increased, but never praised when they dropped. "When prices rise, everything goes up, including sawi (mustard greens) and kangkung (water spinach). Sometimes prices fluctuate. Today I read in the newspaper that some prices have gone down. The price of kangkung went up before, but now it has dropped. When that happens, no one praises the government. But when prices rise, they blame the government. This isn’t fair, as it’s due to weather conditions,” Najib said in a video, speaking in Malay.
His 'kangkung' statement sparked backlash on social media, with many claiming he didn’t understand the struggles caused by rising living costs. What’s curious, though, is his choice of 'kangkung' as an example—suggesting he monitors its price closely, which likely means he and Rosmah Mansor regularly eat it. This was later confirmed by Najib himself as he hit back at critics by saying, “I like to eat kangkung. All of you like to eat kangkung, too…” Kangkung, or water spinach, is rich in iron, an essential nutrient for good health and hair growth.
Many people experiencing hair loss may have low iron levels, which is essential for producing haemoglobin—the protein in your blood that supplies oxygen to your scalp. Without enough iron, your body can't produce enough haemoglobin. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen to cells throughout your body, including those that stimulate hair growth.
3. Lower your stress (or keep it in check!)
On June 11, 2024, Malay Mail reported that 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and its subsidiaries, including SRC International Sdn Bhd, filed a lawsuit against Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of convicted former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Rosmah is accused of allegedly spending US$346 million—equivalent to RM1.6 billion at today’s exchange rate—on luxury items such as jewelry, handbags, and watches. These purchases were made through 320 transactions with 48 vendors across 14 countries between 2010 and 2014.
This highlights her impressive shopping habits. According to a University of Michigan study, shopping or retail therapy to relieve stress is up to 40 times more effective at giving people a sense of control, with shoppers feeling three times less sad than those who only browsed. The good news? Shopping to relieve stress can also contribute to better health by helping regulate blood pressure and supporting heart health in the process. Receiving gifts is another way to reduce stress, and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has been no stranger to lavish presents. Businessmen, including Deepak Jaikishan, have reportedly showered her with extravagant gifts. Among them were a house in Malaysia and a Bentley Flying Spur, a luxury car valued at nearly RM2 million in the country, which Deepak claimed he purchased for her. With the freedom to buy whatever she wants and being spoiled with daily gifts, how could stress possibly linger?
Chronic stress has long been linked to hair loss, as it triggers the release of cortisol, a catabolic hormone that breaks things down. Our bodies aren’t meant to sustain high levels of cortisol for extended periods, so reducing stress is key to lowering cortisol. But since you're not Rosmah Mansor—unable to indulge in shopping sprees or be showered with gifts daily—what’s the best way to lower stress? Exercise is one of the most effective methods. However, if working out isn’t your thing, you can turn to other relaxing activities, like reading a book or listening to music.
4. Include B vitamins in your diet
In a 2016 viral blog post, it was alleged that Najib Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, were served a 2kg slice of Matsusaka wagyu beef for dinner, costing RM19,284.80. However, the management of Me’nate Steak Hub, the restaurant suspected of providing the meal, has denied any involvement in the nearly RM20,000 steak dinner supposedly served at the Prime Minister’s official residence.
In any case, beef is an excellent source of B vitamins, which play a significant role in maintaining healthy hair. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) helps improve scalp circulation, promoting nutrient delivery to hair follicles. B2 (riboflavin) supports energy production and protein synthesis for healthy hair, while B3 (niacin) moisturizes the scalp and may repair DNA damage caused by environmental stressors. B5 (pantothenic acid) moisturizes and strengthens hair, preventing dryness. B6 aids in protein metabolism and oxygen delivery, crucial for hair growth. Biotin (B7) prevents hair loss and promotes tissue repair, while B9 (folic acid) boosts hair volume and color. B12 ensures red blood cells deliver oxygen to hair follicles, essential for growth and thickness.
Achieving hair as luscious and vibrant as Rosmah Mansor's might seem extravagant, but with a few simple lifestyle changes, it’s entirely within reach. From incorporating iron-rich kangkung into your diet to boosting hair health with lysine-packed quinoa, there are numerous accessible ways to nourish your locks from within. Don't forget the power of B vitamins, which can promote hair growth and prevent loss by strengthening follicles and improving circulation. Managing stress also plays a key role in maintaining healthy hair, and while you may not have Rosmah’s luxurious lifestyle, regular exercise and relaxation techniques can help keep cortisol levels in check. Ultimately, caring for your hair is not just about what you apply externally but also about the nutrients and habits you nurture from the inside out. With these tips, you can enjoy fuller, healthier hair without breaking the bank.
To sum it all up:
1. Eat Quinoa (high in lysine)
- Get it here : Signature Market Organic White Quinoa (400g)
- If you are not a fan of quinoa, here is another food that is high in lysine:
- Get Tempeh here : Royal tempeh- Classic Flavor 85g
2. Consume enough iron
- Get iron supplement here : Blackmores Bio Iron Advanced 30 Tablets
3. Lower your stress (or keep it in check!)
- For exercise, I would recommend getting a good kettlebell, you can do a variety of exercise
- Get kettlebell here : PROIRON Kettlebells
- Or alternatively, get a good pair of dumbbells
- Get dumbbells here : PROIRON Dumbell
4. Include B vitamins in your diet
- Get B vitamin supplements here : VitaHealth Vitamin B Complex
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Aaron Colt is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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