KUALA LUMPUR: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor is expected to face fresh charges this week - this time over the controversial RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project for rural schools in Sarawak.
It is understood that Rosmah, the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, will be hauled to court over her alleged role in the project, which is currently under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
An MACC source familiar with the investigation said the project was awarded without adhering to the Education Ministry's standard operating procedure during the then Barisan Nasional-led government.
The source said the project, which involved the installation of solar panels at 369 schools in Sarawak, was awarded to a company under the direct order of Najib, who was then prime minister.
"Based on the investigation, Rosmah is expected to be hit with several charges for her alleged role in the project.
"This is a follow-up to our probe involving Najib's former aide Datuk Rizal Mansor, who was detained by the MACC on July 9," the source told the NSTP when contacted today.
The source added that both Rosmah and Rizal are expected to be charged in court sometime this week.
On Oct 4, Rosmah pleaded not guilty to 17 money laundering charges involving over RM7 million at the Sessions Court.
She claimed trial to all the charges which were framed under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFA) 2001 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001.
The court had bail at RM2 in two sureties and ordered for Rosmah's passports to be surrendered to the court.
Meanwhile, Rizal was investigated by the MACC for allegedly soliciting money from Jepak Holdings, which was awarded the contract for the the solar hybrid project.
The MACC had previously detained several individuals, including the company's directors, managing directors and lawyers, to facilitate investigations.