Crime & Courts

High Court allows prosecution's application to impeach Rosmah

KUALA LUMPUR: The prosecution today scored a major blow against Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor after it succeeded in its application to impeach the self proclaimed former First Lady of Malaysia.

"The prosecution can proceed with its attempt to impeach the accused," High Court Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan said after hearing arguments from both sides.

This means if Rosmah is indeed found to have given contradictory evidence in court, her testimony would carry little weight in her defense against corruption charges.

"If she is impeached, her evidence is worth nothing," lead prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Seri Ram explained after the proceedings.

Gopal, along with Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib, had applied to impeach Rosmah under Section 145 of the Evidence Act 1950.

Under this section, the prosecution can confront Rosmah over inconsistent statements she makes in court with that she has given in writing to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) investigators.

Zaini also allowed the prosecution's application to cross-examine Rosmah as to character but only on questions relating to her charges under the Anti Money Laundering (AMLA) Act

The proceedings will reconvene on Dec 8 after Rosmah returns from Singapore, where she plans to accompany her daughter who is expected to give birth soon.

Rosmah, who is being defended by Datuk Jagjit Singh and Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader, has been ordered to enter her defence against charges of soliciting RM187.5 million from Jepak Holdings Bhd to help the company to supply solar energy to rural schools in Sarawak.

She is also accused of receiving RM6.5 million to ensure the company got the project.

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