Malaysia: Rosmah Mansor sentenced, while husband Najib Razak applies for judicial review

Malaysia | 08 September 2022

Rosmah Mansor was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of bribery. She is the wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who has now “applied for a review of the Federal Court’s decision to uphold his conviction.

On 1 September 2022, Rosmah Mansor was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of bribery (Malay Mail, 1 September 2022). She is the wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who has now “applied for a review of the Federal Court’s decision to uphold his conviction and sentence for the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB)” (Channel Asia News, 6 September 2022).

World Watch Research analyst Thomas Muller explains: “This verdict for Rosmah Mansor comes a mere nine days after her husband had lost his appeal against a 12 year-sentence for corruption. While both are facing more corruption-related charges, Rosmah can appeal her sentence (Benar News, 1 September 2022). Najib Razak’s formal application for a judicial review will not save him from being banned from standing at the next general election (Malay Mail, 2 September 2022). Commentators are divided in their opinions: Some think his conviction will act as a boost for the opposition forces at the next elections. However, others think there is a cultural issue at stake here: Many believe that no one who has served his country should be tried and convicted. It could be that UMNO’s older and more conservative voters will be so offended by the whole series of charges being made that they will vote for the ruling party anyway. Christians, as one of the country’s minorities, will watch closely, as the UMNO may rely on a campaign and election strategy focused on defending the Malay-Muslim supremacy once again.”