KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here today has fixed Sept 9 for a decision on Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor's application to nullify her RM1.25 billion corruption trial over the solar hybrid project and to disqualify Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram as the lead prosecutor in the case.
Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan set the date after hearing submissions from Sri Ram as Senior Deputy Public Prosecutor and counsel Datuk Jagjit Singh, who is representing Rosmah.
"I need time to deliberate on the decision. I propose to give my decision on Sept 9, at 9 am," the judge said.
Earlier, Sri Ram submitted that his appointment under Section 376 (3) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) as Senior Deputy Public Prosecutor from Aug 30, 2018, by the then Attorney-General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas was valid.
Section 376 (3) deals with the authority of the public prosecutor (the AG) to appoint a DPP who would exercise the power of the public prosecutor.
Sri Ram also submitted that the current AG Tan Sri Idrus Harun, who has issued a backdated letter on his appointment on May 21, this year could cure any defect by Thomas because Section 50 (b) of the Interpretation Acts 1948/1967 (Act 388) empowered any authority to make an appointment with retrospective effect.
"In like manner, Parliament has conferred power upon an executive or administrative authority to make a retrospective appointment," Sri Ram said.
Meanwhile, Jagjit contended that Sri Ram's appointment was meant to conduct the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) trial which involved Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and was not related to Rosmah's solar case.
"Sri Ram has no legal authority or locus standi to appear in this trial. His letter of appointment has nothing to do with Rosmah's solar project case," he said.
Rosmah, 69, filed the applications after the Court of Appeal had on April 8 allowed her appeal to get a copy of Sri Ram's appointment letter after the prosecution agreed to provide it to the defence team.
Rosmah brought the matter up for appeal after the High Court dismissed her application over Sri Ram's appointment letter on Aug 19 last year.
The appointment letter was not dated on or before Nov 15, 2018, the day Rosmah was charged in court, and was not signed by then Attorney-General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas.
Instead, the letter was dated July 8 last year and signed by Idrus.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Jul 15 2021
The High Court has fixed Sept 9 for a decision on Rosmah Mansor's application to nullify her RM1.25 billion corruption trial over the solar hybrid project and to disqualify Gopal Sri Ram as the lead prosecutor in the case. - BERNAMA filepic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.