KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 – Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor expressed relief and gratitude after the High Court today granted her a full discharge and acquittal from charges of money laundering and tax evasion.
Rosmah, 73, welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a triumph for justice after a lengthy legal battle that spanned six years.
“From day one, my lawyers informed me there was no basis for these charges,” she said at a press conference. “This is what I call justice, and justice should be for everyone. Alhamdulillah, let me rest now and breathe a little.”
Her legal team argued that the charges were fundamentally flawed and failed to meet the essential elements necessary to establish the alleged offences. High Court judge K Muniandy agreed, ruling that the charges were defective due to duplicity and multiplicity, and did not disclose any specific crime under the law.
“The charges were illegal and flawed,” said Judge Muniandy, adding that they violated provisions in the Criminal Procedure Code and deprived Rosmah of a fair trial.
Rosmah’s lawyers expressed their satisfaction with the ruling, stating, “Justice has finally been served. This marks the end of a long and arduous process for our client.”
The acquittal follows Rosmah’s application in September 2023 to strike out the charges. Hearings commenced last week, with today’s verdict bringing closure to the case.
Despite her acquittal in this trial, Rosmah still faces the legal aftermath of her earlier corruption conviction. In 2022, she was found guilty of soliciting and receiving bribes in relation to a RM1.25 billion hybrid solar project for Sarawak rural schools. She received a 10-year prison sentence and a RM970 million fine, though the sentence is on hold pending her appeal.