KUALA LUMPUR – Retired deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Datuk Raja Rozela Raja Toran, who was the lead prosecutor in Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s corruption trial, has been appointed as a judicial commissioner.
The former DPP was present at the swearing-in and hand-over of appointment letter ceremony at the Palace of Justice, Putrajaya, today.
The 58-year old who reportedly opted for an early retirement in April had last served as director of the special litigation unit at the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Her appointment as a judicial commissioner was announced by the Federal Court chief registrar’s office today, alongside other new appointees Arziah Mohamed Apandi, Datuk Hazizah Kassim, Kan Weng Hin, Mohd Rosli Yusoff, Gan Techiong, Suriyati Hasimah Mohd Hashim, Maslinda @ Linda Mohd Ainal and Saiful Azian Mokhtar.
In April, Raja Rozela’s removal from Zahid’s corruption case was explained by then attorney-general Tan Sri Idrus Harun, who cited the need for continuity following Raja Rozela’s early retirement.
The decision was aimed at ensuring that the prosecution against Zahid remained unaffected.
Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, who has 30 years of experience as a DPP, was appointed as the new lead prosecutor in Zahid’s case.
Zahid, 70, is currently facing 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, graft and money laundering involving Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB) funds.
His legal proceedings, which began on October 19, 2018, led to an order for him to enter his defence.
On December 4, the Malaysian Bar filed a judicial review application challenging the deputy prime minister’s discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in his corruption case related to YAB funds.
Malaysian Bar president Karen Cheah confirmed the application, seeking to quash the AG’s decision to apply for a DNAA on Zahid’s graft charges.
The lawyers’ body alleges that the decision is unreasonable and tainted with irrationality, violating Article 145(3) of the federal constitution and Section 254(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The council also seeks access to all relevant court documents.
Cheah emphasised the importance of the judicial review process, particularly in cases of national and public interest involving allegations of criminal breach of trust, bribery and money laundering against individuals in positions of power. – December 8, 2023