Rosmah Mansor denies role in Najib Razak’s downfall as scrutiny over 1MDB accountability intensifies

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of former prime minister Najib Razak, has denied allegations that she played a role in her husband’s political downfall, describing the claims as baseless and detached from reality.

In an exclusive interview with Berita Harian at her home in Kuala Lumpur on 28 December 2025, Rosmah said she remained unperturbed by persistent accusations levelled against her following Najib’s conviction in cases linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.

“I don’t care because all those accusations are not true,” she said, adding that the narrative surrounding her had been shaped by external parties with political motives.

Rosmah said she drew strength from her family and close friends, whom she described as understanding the true circumstances behind what she characterised as a sustained negative portrayal of her role in public life.

Speaking calmly, she expressed sadness at reactions from some quarters, particularly political figures who appeared to celebrate her family’s misfortune after Najib’s conviction.

“What is saddening is when there are people who seem happy over the hardship and trials faced by our family,” she said, referring to reports of political leaders welcoming the verdict.

She added that regardless of the level of animosity directed at her and Najib, it was unnecessary for anyone to rejoice over their suffering.

On 26 December 2025, Najib was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment and fined more than RM11 billion following his conviction in relation to the 1MDB case.

He has been incarcerated at Kajang Prison since August 2022.

Rosmah described the legal challenges faced by her husband as deeply political in nature, stressing that her current focus was on supporting him through family solidarity and prayer.

“Everyone knows what is happening today is because of politics. As a wife, my main responsibility now is to continue supporting him through prayer,” she said.

She said her daily routine now centred on caring for her grandchildren and spending time with family and friends, whom she described as her strongest support system during this period.

“I know that is what he wants. I have to be strong for our family,” she said, adding that Najib was particularly distressed by what she described as false stories circulating about their family.

According to Rosmah, Najib’s deepest regret while in prison was missing important milestones in his grandchildren’s lives. She said the children often asked about their grandfather and struggled to understand his absence.

Despite these challenges, she said she remained determined to project strength for the sake of her family, maintaining faith that justice and truth would ultimately prevail.

Renewed focus on accountability in 1MDB investigations

Rosmah’s remarks come amid renewed public scrutiny of individuals linked to the 1MDB affair, including questions surrounding investigations into former attorney general Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali.

Lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo, who represents Lim Kit Siang, said in a statement on Monday that the public was entitled to know the status of investigations into Apandi announced in 2022.

“The 1MDB scandal was too large to have occurred without knowledge, involvement, or serious failures by more than a few individuals,” Sangeet said.

“Anyone who played any role in enabling, justifying, or allowing the 1MDB wrongdoing to continue should be investigated.”

Her statement followed a widely reported comment attributed to Apandi after Najib was found guilty in the latest 1MDB case.

News reports quoted Apandi as saying, “Sometimes, one has to pay for the lapse of intelligence,” in response to the verdict.

Sangeet is counsel for Lim in a defamation suit filed by Apandi in 2019. The suit was dismissed by both the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court.

In the case, Apandi had argued that articles written by Lim implied he abused or neglected his duties as attorney general. The courts, however, held that Lim was justified in calling for accountability over decisions taken by Apandi while in office.

Police opened an investigation into Apandi in 2022 following a report lodged by then Klang Member of Parliament Charles Santiago. The report alleged that Apandi fabricated information and lied while in office, leading to an abuse of power.

Apandi was appointed attorney general in July 2015 after the dismissal of Abdul Gani Patail at the height of early investigations into 1MDB. During his tenure, Apandi cleared Najib of wrongdoing, a decision later reversed after the change of government in 2018.

Calls for reform after latest convictions

Political leaders have also weighed in following Najib’s latest convictions.

DAP national chairman Gobind Singh Deo said the trial findings underscored the urgent need for institutional reforms to prevent future corruption and abuse of power.

In a media statement, Gobind said the 1MDB scandal represented a defining test of Malaysia’s governance framework and political will.

“While the administration has taken steps, including amending the Audit Act and Parliamentary Service Act, more must be done to strengthen enforcement agencies and transparency in prosecutions,” he said.