Prosecutors drop appeal after finding no prospect of success, citing deceased or missing witnesses. Rosmah’s separate corruption conviction appeal continues.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney General’s Chambers has withdrawn its appeal against Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s acquittal on 17 money laundering charges.
Prosecutors determined the appeal had no reasonable prospect of success after a thorough review.
A key factor was the inability to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt as required in criminal trials.
Crucial witnesses needed to substantiate the charges have either died or can no longer be located.
“In such circumstances, the predicate offence against the accused could likewise not be proven,” stated the AGC.
The notice of withdrawal was filed at the Court of Appeal on December 9.
The AGC clarified this decision does not affect Rosmah’s other ongoing court proceedings.
Her separate appeal against a corruption conviction related to a solar project remains before the Court of Appeal.
Rosmah was convicted on three corruption counts in September 2022 and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment plus a RM970 million fine.
The execution of that sentence is stayed pending the outcome of her appeal.
The AGC reiterated its commitment to independent, fair, and integrity-based prosecutorial duties.
All decisions are made based on the law and available evidence to uphold justice.
High Court Judge K. Muniandy acquitted Rosmah of all 17 charges on December 19 last year.
He ruled the prosecution failed to establish key elements of the money laundering offences.
Rosmah had pleaded not guilty to the charges in October 2018.
The charges involved 12 counts of money laundering involving RM7,097,750 and five counts of failing to declare income.
The alleged offences occurred between 2013 and 2018 at specified locations in Kuala Lumpur. – Bernama
