High Court to Deliver Decision on Rosmah’s Application to Quash Charges
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here today fixed December 19 to deliver its decision on Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s application to quash the money laundering and tax evasion charges against her.
Background
Rosmah filed the application on October 4, 2020, and the hearing began on December 12 last year after the case was partly heard with two witnesses having testified.
Arguments Presented
Earlier, Ahmad Akram rebutted the claim made by Rosmah’s counsel that the charges faced by the former prime minister’s wife are flawed due to multiplicity, arguing that they both relate to the same subject matter.
"The charges in question are not redundant, nor are they flawed for multiplicity. Rather, they reflect different criminal actions, each of which occurred at different times, and each requires a separate charge to fully address the scope of the accused’s conduct," he said.
Ahmad Akram added that if the prosecution were to consolidate these charges, it would ignore the nuances of the alleged offences and undermine the legal requirement for precise and separate allegations for each act of wrongdoing.
Defense Arguments
Meanwhile, Amer Hamzah contended that the charges were defective and bad in law and that his client should be acquitted.
In response, Ahmad Akram argued that the points raised by the defence in their submissions were premature, as they were matters to be considered during the course of the trial and for the judge to determine.
"The determination of whether the charges have been proven should be made at the end of the prosecution’s case, not now. The evidence must be heard first," said Ahmad Akram.
Charges
On October 4, 2018, Rosmah pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of money laundering, involving RM7,097,750, and five counts for failing to declare her income to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).
The offences were allegedly committed at Affin Bank Berhad, Bangunan Getah Asli branch, ground Floor, 148 Jalan Ampang here between December 4, 2013, and June 8, 2017, and at the IRB, Kompleks Bangunan Kerajaan, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim here between May 1, 2014 and May 1, 2018.
Conclusion
The High Court will deliver its decision on December 19, bringing an end to the long-awaited hearing. The court’s decision will have significant implications for Rosmah’s future, and the outcome is eagerly anticipated by all parties involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the charges against Rosmah?
A: Rosmah is facing 12 counts of money laundering and five counts of tax evasion.
Q: What is the alleged period of the offences?
A: The alleged period of the offences is between December 4, 2013, and May 1, 2018.
Q: What is the punishment for money laundering?
A: The punishment for money laundering is up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the proceeds of unlawful activity or RM5 million, whichever is higher.