KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted flaws in the prosecution of several cases following the 14th general election in 2018, stating that many were rushed and tainted by enmity.
Commenting on the recent acquittal of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor on the 17 charges of money laundering and tax evasion – which she was charged with in 2018 – Anwar reiterated his stance on judicial independence and governance reforms.
He emphasised that he has not interfered in judicial matters during his tenure.
“(I view the case as) political revenge by the authorities in power at the time,” he said at a press conference in Subang today.
“In my two years in office, I never interfered or instructed any judge in any issues.”
Reacting to criticisms regarding Rosmah’s acquittal, Anwar expressed his perplexity at being blamed.
“Do you want me to interfere in the judiciary process? You keep asking about my personal views, my likes or dislikes. I have my personal view.
“But we (are talking) about judiciary independence. When the judge gives a different decision, you blame others and disagree with the decision,” he said at the event attended by about 100 local and international journalists, as well as Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa.
Rosmah, the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, was charged in October 2018 with 12 counts of money laundering involving RM7,097,750 and five counts of failing to declare her income to the Inland Revenue Board.
At the time, Dr Mahathir Mohamad was serving as prime minister.
On Thursday, the Kuala Lumpur High Court acquitted and discharged Rosmah, citing that the charges were illegal and flawed.
The prosecution has since appealed the decision, with Anwar calling for patience as the case moves to the Court of Appeal.
The prime minister also acknowledged the challenges in implementing the government’s reform agenda, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to these efforts.
“We are clear; this government is committed to the reformation, but it takes time,” he added.
Anwar further reiterated his zero-tolerance policy on abuse of power within his government, pledging no compromise on misconduct involving cabinet members or civil servants.
He also acknowledged limitations in addressing historical cases but expressed his commitment to tackling new issues brought to him. – December 21, 2024