Why is Rosmah seeking to recuse the judge in her RM7m trial?

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Rosmah Mansor Seeks Judge Recusal Due to Perceived Prejudice in RM7 Million Trial

Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor is seeking the recusal of Justice Mohamed Zaini Mazlan from presiding over her RM7 million tax evasion and money laundering case, citing concerns about a potential risk of prejudice. This application stems from Justice Mohamed Zaini's concurrent role as the trial judge in Rosmah's ongoing corruption case concerning a RM1.25 billion solar project for rural schools in Sarawak. Rosmah contends that the judge's prior rulings and the evidence presented in the solar corruption case could improperly influence his judgment in the current financial charges.
Concerns Over Judicial Bias and Fair Trial Rights

Rosmah's application, filed on November 2, explicitly states that she believes Justice Mohamed Zaini may be prejudiced against her. Her affidavit highlights that the judge has already determined a prima facie case has been established in the solar corruption trial, leading to her being called to enter her defence. Furthermore, Rosmah pointed out that Justice Mohamed Zaini permitted the prosecution to cross-examine her using a cautioned statement related to the money laundering case during proceedings for the solar project corruption charges.
Potential Influence of Prior Evidence

In her affidavit, Rosmah articulated that exhibits and statements tendered in the solar corruption case could indirectly or directly influence Justice Mohamed Zaini's decision-making if he were to continue presiding over the money laundering and tax evasion trial. She asserts that her right to a fair trial, as protected under the Federal Constitution, is at stake due to this perceived overlap and potential for pre-judgment.
Overlapping Cases and Case Management

The recusal application is based on the significant overlap between the two ongoing legal proceedings. Justice Mohamed Zaini is presiding over both Rosmah's corruption case, which involves allegations of soliciting and receiving bribes totalling RM6.5 million for a RM1.25 billion solar project, and her current trial concerning 12 money laundering charges involving RM7,097,750 and five counts of failing to declare income to the Inland Revenue Board. Case management for this recusal application was scheduled to be heard on the same day the application was confirmed.

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Why is Rosmah seeking to recuse the judge in her RM7m trial?

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