Explain Rosmah’s acquittal or risk losing support, PH and DAP told
Two DAP leaders say Pakatan Harapan and the party must provide swift audible responses, not silence, to address voter frustration.
(FMT) – A senior DAP leader has called on Pakatan Harapan and the party to explain in clear terms to supporters the basis for Rosmah Mansor’s acquittal from 17 money laundering and tax evasion charges.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the leader said the decision, if left unexplained, would undermine PH’s reformist agenda and erode public confidence in the government’s commitment to justice and the rule of law.
“DAP built its campaign at the last election around 1MDB, Najib and Rosmah. People who voted for PH to bring about change will feel let down,” the leader told FMT.
He said the failure to appease voters will significantly impact the party’s and the coalition’s credibility, given the leading roles they played in championing anti-corruption reforms.
The leader also said voter frustration was particularly pronounced in urban constituencies, and especially among young voters who feel let down by the lack of reforms.
“Many are saying: ‘I don’t know who to vote for, so I’ll stay home (next time).’ This is a dangerous trend for PH.
“DAP was at the forefront of these reformist issues, more so than PKR or Amanah. If we remain silent now, it’s worse. Urban voters expect us to stand firm, and when we don’t, there’s a price to pay.”
A DAP assemblyman, who also asked not to be named, described the timing of the decision as particularly damaging for the government.
“This is bad timing for (Prime Minister) Anwar (Ibrahim). Civil servants worked hard to gather all the information for the case, and suddenly, the case was thrown out,” he told FMT.
The assemblyman warned that PH may see a backlash in the next general election, citing the low voter turnout at the Sungai Bakap by-election as reflecting a growing disillusionment with the coalition.
Both leaders called for PH and DAP to act swiftly, with the senior party figure saying voters expect action in the form of “audible responses, not silence”.
“Next year is critical. If PH doesn’t act decisively, it risks losing not just urban voters but also the trust that was central to the Reformasi movement,” he said.
On Thursday, the High Court acquitted Rosmah of all charges without need for a trial.
Justice K Muniandy said the charges preferred against the wife of former prime minister Najib Razak were illegal, flawed and did not disclose the commission of any offence.
The judge also said five of the charges, which related to purported tax evasion, were premature as Rosmah had an appeal on the assessed sum which is still pending before the Special Commissioners of Income Tax.
The prosecution is appealing the decision.
In another case, Rosmah was convicted of three charges of corruption in connection with a RM1.25 billion solar energy project for rural schools in Sarawak.
She was sentenced to 10 years in jail and fined RM970 million, or in default another 10 years in prison to commence after her initial jail term is completed.
The Court of Appeal will hear her appeal against conviction and sentence on March 5 next year.
Rosmah is also facing a US$346 million lawsuit in the High Court, brought by 1MDB and 10 other companies over the alleged use of misappropriated 1MDB funds to purchase luxury goods.
Source : FreeMalaysiaToday
