KUALA LUMPUR: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has filed an application to recuse Justice Mohamed Zaini Mazlan from presiding over her RM7mil money laundering and tax evasion case.

       The application was filed through Messrs Geethan Ram on Nov 2 and it named the prosecutor as the sole respondent.

       In the court document, Rosmah said Justice Mohamed Zaini is the judge presiding in her corruption case involving a solar hybrid project in Sarawak.

       The judge had ordered Rosmah to enter her defence on Feb 18 and had also allowed the prosecution in the solar case to cross-examine Rosmah using a cautioned statement linked to the money laundering case.

       “The statements and exhibits that have been tendered before the court in the solar case could directly or indirectly influence Justice Mohamed Zaini if he hears this case,” said her lawyers in the application.

       They further stated that Rosmah’s right to a fair trial was protected under the Federal Constitution.

       “This right would be badly prejudiced and become pointless if Justice Mohamed Zaini hears the trial,” they said.

       Rosmah also stated in the document that Justice Mohamed Zaini must recuse himself from hearing her money laundering case and added that the case should be transferred to a different court.

       The wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is facing 12 money laundering charges amounting to about RM7mil and five counts of failing to declare her income to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).

       The case, also before Justice Mohamed Zaini, is scheduled to begin after the corruption trial involving the solar hybrid project is over.

       Rosmah is currently on trial for a charge of soliciting RM187.5mil and two counts of receiving bribes totalling RM6.5mil from Jepak Holdings’ former managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin involving the RM1.25bil solar hybrid project in Sarawak.