Malaysians celebrate the downfall of Rosmah Mansor, the big-spending, reviled wife of ousted PM Najib Razak
Rosmah is widely mocked for her imperious manner and reports of multimillion-dollar jewellery purchases and a vast supply of designer handbags
Malaysia’s unpopular former first lady on Saturday lamented the “trying times” since her husband Najib Razak’s ouster from power, in a plea for public sympathy just a day after police seized a huge trove of cash, jewels and designer handbags linked to the couple.
Rosmah Mansor, who is widely reviled for her reported luxurious tastes and tone-deaf attitude towards the struggles of ordinary Malaysians, issued a statement lashing out at the police raids, complaining that news of them amounted to a “premature public trial”.
The former first couple’s world has been turned upside down after Najib’s long-ruling political machine suffered a shock defeat in May 9 elections.
Najib has been barred from leaving the country pending investigations into allegations that he, his family and cronies looted billions in state money. He is widely expected to face criminal charges.
“Despite the overwhelmingly trying times afflicted upon us, we have, and will continue facilitating, any inquiry, and avail ourselves to any requesting authorities,” Rosmah said in a statement issued by her lawyers.
[Authorities should] observe the rule of law and due process, to avoid a premature public trial
But she complained about “the seemingly compromised inquiry process, whereby a series of leaks pertaining to the probe has made its way into social media spheres, in real time”.