KUALA LUMPUR

In a stunning turn of events, Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, has been acquitted by the High Court of Malaysia on charges related to money laundering and tax evasion involving a staggering RM7 million (approximately S$2.1 million). This significant ruling is a major victory for Rosmah, marking the end of a lengthy legal battle spanning over six years.

Justice K. Muniandy ruled in favor of Rosmah's application to dismiss all charges, declaring that the case was fundamentally flawed. The court had partially heard testimonies from two witnesses prior to this decision.

Despite the acquittal, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) confirmed plans to appeal the verdict, indicating that the legal saga is far from over. Rosmah herself expressed deep emotional relief following the announcement, calling the acquittal a "meaningful gift" during her birthday month. She proclaimed, “This is what I call justice,” while crediting her legal team for their unwavering belief in her innocence.

The charges Rosmah faced stemmed from allegations of failing to declare an income that was deposited into her bank account, a violation of the Income Tax Act of 1967. Additionally, she had been accused of engaging in transactions involving the proceeds of unlawful activity, which allegedly took place between December 2013 and June 2017 at two financial institutions.

However, Rosmah's legal challenges are not over. She is still awaiting an appeal decision related to her conviction in another high-profile corruption case tied to a RM1.25 billion solar energy project intended for rural schools in Sarawak. In September 2022, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined RM970 million after being found guilty of corruption in this case, which remains a significant blot on her public image.

As Malaysia awaits the AGC’s next move in the appeal process, Rosmah’s acquittal raises questions about the ongoing fight against corruption in the country and what this means for her husband, Najib Razak, who is himself embroiled in separate legal troubles. Will this be a turning point for the couple, or is further legal turmoil on the horizon? The story continues to unfold!