Wife of ex-Malaysian leader charged with money laundering

Rosmah Mansor, the luxury-loving wife of Malaysia's former prime minister, was Thursday charged with money laundering linked to a multi-billion-dollar scandal that helped bring down his government.

The 66-year-old pleaded not guilty to 17 charges of money laundering at a court complex where her husband Najib Razak was also making a separate appearance in connection with the alleged plunder of state funds.

Rosmah was allowed to post bail of two million ringgit ($483,365) and ordered to surrender her passport. She was also barred from contacting any witness. Prosecutors had sought 10 million ringgit in bail, citing the seriousness of the charges, which could result in Rosmah having to spend the rest of her life in prison. Lead prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram told the court that Rosmah “had approached a witness with a request to give a statement in her favour”.

In the first charge sheet, prosecutors said “you engaged directly in a transaction that involves proceeds of unlawful activity” in violation of laws against money laundering. Prosecutor Gopal told court Rosmah's alleged offences were “very serious” as he justified the high bail amount sought. Defence lawyers sought bail of 250,000 ringgit.

Rosmah's love of designer handbags, jewellery and other trappings of wealth became a target for critics ahead of last May's election, won by a disparate coalition led by former leader Mahathir Mohamad. Rosmah became reviled for her profligate spending and imperious manner while her husband was prime minister for nine years.

- AFP