Rosmah's money laundering, tax evasion case heard before new judge

Rosmah Mansor’s money laundering and tax evasion trial at the Kuala Lumpur High Court was heard before a new judge today.

Judge K Muniandy replaced Mohamed Zaini Mazlan, who was recently promoted to the Court of Appeal.

During today’s proceedings, Rosmah’s lawyer Geethan Ram Vincent informed the court that they were withdrawing their application to disqualify senior deputy public prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram, given that the former Federal Court judge died in late January this year following a lung infection.

Deputy public prosecutor Poh Yih Tinn did not object, and the application was struck out. 

The court previously fixed 15 days from May 12 this year for the trial. Apart from May 12, the court also set June 28 and 30; July 6, 7, 27, 28 and 31; Aug 1, 2, 11, 24 and 25; and Sept 7 and 8.

The July 27 trial date was however vacated as Geethan Ram said he would be occupied with a Court of Appeal matter on that day.

Meanwhile, Poh informed the court that the prosecution would call 15 witnesses.

Rosmah, 70, faces 12 money laundering charges involving RM7,097,750, and five counts of failing to declare her income to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).

The wife of former prime minister Najib Razak was accused of committing the offences at Affin Bank, Bangunan Getah Asli branch, Jalan Ampang between Dec 4, 2013 and June 8, 2017, and at LHDN Kompleks Bangunan Kerajaan, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim between May 1, 2014 and May 1, 2018.