Full Breakdown
Rosmah Mansor's Corruption Appeal Adjourned Amid Health Concerns
2/26/2026, 3:27:55 AM
Overview of the Case
Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, is embroiled in a high-profile corruption case linked to a RM1.25 billion (approximately S$406.8 million) solar hybrid project in Sarawak. In September 2022, she was found guilty of three corruption charges and sentenced to 10 years in prison, alongside a fine of RM970 million, with a default sentence of 30 years if the fine is not paid. Currently, she is appealing her conviction and sentence.
Recent Developments
On February 25, 2023, the Federal Court was set to hear Rosmah's appeal regarding her request to recuse two judges, Justices Nordin Hassan and Mohd Ruzima Ghazali, from her case. However, the hearing was postponed to March 3 due to Rosmah's absence, which her lawyer, Jagjit Singh, attributed to her health issues following a fall. Singh stated that Rosmah was on medical leave from February 24 to 28 and had sustained injuries to her hand and knees but declined hospitalization.
Justice Nordin, who presided over the panel, dismissed the recusal application, asserting that there was no substantial risk of bias from the judges. He emphasized the importance of proceeding with the case, stating, "We find there is no real danger of bias for us to recuse ourselves."
Official Statements & Responses
Rosmah's legal team has maintained that her health condition warranted the postponement of the hearing. Jagjit Singh noted that Rosmah was advised to seek hospitalization but chose not to be admitted. The court's decision to adjourn the appeal reflects the judiciary's consideration of her medical circumstances while also emphasizing the need for judicial efficiency.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Rosmah's legal maneuvers argue that her attempts to recuse judges could be seen as delaying tactics in a case that has already drawn significant public attention. The perception of using health issues as a reason for postponement has raised eyebrows, with some commentators questioning the sincerity of her claims.
What's Next
The Federal Court is scheduled to reconvene on March 3, 2023, to hear Rosmah's appeal regarding the recusal of the judges and to address the broader implications of her corruption conviction. Meanwhile, she has been granted a stay of execution on her sentences pending the outcome of her appeal at the Court of Appeal.
Verbatim Quotes
- “With regard to the application to recuse myself and Justice Che Mohd Ruzima, we find there is no real danger of bias for us to recuse ourselves.” — Justice Nordin Hassan
- “The appellant is on medical leave. She sustained a fall but managed to avoid a complete fall. But in the process, she injured her hand as well as her knees,” — Jagjit Singh, Rosmah's Lawyer
- “If you say she is not well to come to court because of the fall and she can’t even attend court, she should be in the hospital.” — Justice Azimah Omar
