Malaysia's Federal Court has unanimously dismissed Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor's final appeal to remove Justice Mohamed Zaini Mazlan from presiding over her corruption trial. This decision upholds Rosmah's conviction in the RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project case.
Rosmah, the wife of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, was convicted in September 2022 for soliciting and receiving bribes related to the Sarawak solar hybrid project. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison on each charge, to run concurrently, and fined RM970 million. The Court of Appeal granted her a stay of execution pending her appeal against the conviction and sentence.
In August 2022, Rosmah filed an application to recuse Justice Mohamed Zaini, citing concerns over a leaked draft judgment prepared by the Kuala Lumpur High Court's research unit before the official delivery of his decision. She alleged that the draft was prepared by a third party and circulated before its official release. The High Court dismissed her application, and the Court of Appeal upheld this decision in September 2025. Rosmah then sought a review of the Federal Court's dismissal of her appeal to recuse the judge. The Federal Court set July 29, 2026, to hear this review application.
The Federal Court's recent decision to dismiss Rosmah's appeal to recuse Justice Mohamed Zaini Mazlan means that her conviction stands. The Court of Appeal is scheduled to hear her appeal against the conviction and sentence on September 1, 2026.
This case has attracted significant public attention due to its high-profile nature and the involvement of prominent political figures. The outcome of Rosmah's appeal could have broader implications for the legal and political landscape in Malaysia.