Rosmah’s lawyer, Akberdin Abdul Kader, when cross-examining investigating officer Noornabilah Mohd Aziman, pointed out that several individuals such as Pekan Umno secretary Ahmad Aazmey Abu Talib and former minister Mahdzir Khalid had been investigated in connection with the RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project in Sarawak.
“In fact, Aazmey was supposed to face about 20 charges for (allegedly) receiving RM2 million from Jepak Holdings managing director Saidi (Abang Samsudin).
“But MACC did not prosecute them (Aazmey and Mahdzir) but instead, you chose to proceed with charges against my client,” he said, adding that the investigators used information from Aazmey’s case to press charges against Rosmah.
The defence previously told the court the media reported that Mahdzir was supposed to face two corruption charges over a sum amounting to more than RM50,000.
Noornabilah said she disagreed with the defence’s suggestion. “I was not involved in Aazmey’s case,” she said.
Akberdin then asked the witness about the withdrawal of corruption charges against Rosmah’s former officer, Rizal Mansor, before the trial started in February.
Rizal, who was initially slapped with four counts of corruption charges over the solar project, had previously testified against Rosmah, saying she received a total of RM6.5 million from Saidi for her role in securing the project for Jepak Holdings.
Akberdin: Did you and the investigating officer for (the case involving) Rizal play a role in recommending charges to be withdrawn against him?
Noornabilah: No.
The lawyer then asked whether it was a “wise” decision to withdraw the charges against Rizal as it “brought disgrace” to MACC.
Ad-hoc prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram told the court it was not a fair question. “It is the public prosecutor’s discretion on whether to proceed or discontinue with criminal charges,” he said.
Responding, Akberdin described Rizal’s situation as similar to that of former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng’s corruption case over his bungalow purchase, where charges were withdrawn.
Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib said the lawyer’s remarks were frivolous.
High Court judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan then told the defence and prosecution to address this issue in their submissions at the end of the prosecution’s case.
Rosmah faces three counts of corruption for allegedly soliciting RM187.5 million from Saidi as an inducement to help the company secure the project for 369 schools in rural Sarawak, worth a total of RM1.25 billion, through direct negotiation from the education ministry.
She is also accused of receiving bribes amounting RM6.5 million from Saidi between 2016 and 2017.
The hearing continues.