PETALING JAYA: The prosecution of several cases following the 2018 general election was flawed as they were done in a rush, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Commenting on the recent acquittal of Rosmah Mansor on charges of money laundering, Anwar said the prosecution of cases that began around that time was done “with such venom and enmity”.
He also reiterated his denial of any involvement in the acquittal of Rosmah in her case.
“(The cases were prosecuted with) political vengeance by those in power at the time.
“Let the process go on. As prime minister, I must be guarded in what I say. Let the courts decide. I have my views, but I cannot interfere,” he said at a press conference today.
In October 2018, Rosmah, who is the wife of former prime minister Najib Razak, pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of money laundering, involving RM7,097,750, and five counts of failing to declare her income to the Inland Revenue Board.
The prime minister at the time the case was brought against Rosmah was Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who took the position on May 10, 2018.
The prosecution has since filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal seeking to reverse Rosmah’s acquittal.
Rosmah’s acquittal on Thursday had sparked criticism from various quarters, with NGOs calling on Anwar to set a clear timeline for the separation of the public prosecutor’s function from the Attorney-General’s Chambers. They also claimed the AG’s tenure is influenced by the prime minister.
A senior DAP leader had also called on Pakatan Harapan to explain in clear terms to supporters the basis for Rosmah’s acquittal.
He said the decision, if left unexplained, would undermine PH’s reformist agenda and erode public confidence in the government’s commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, Anwar also said he does not agree with any action to arrest or charge activist and graphic artist Fahmi Reza for his graphic on newly appointed Sabah governor Musa Aman.
He said he does not believe every criticism against the government needs to be investigated by the authorities.
Fahmi is being investigated by Bukit Aman under the Sedition Act 1948, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities, and Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of the peace. - FMT
