Rosmah: Sad to see people taking joy in our hardship, no matter how much you hate Najib & me

Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former Malaysia prime minister Najib Razak, has responded to the public for the first time since her husband's Dec. 26 conviction in relation to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.

In a candid interview at her residence with Malaysia's Berita Harian, Rosmah responded to the reactions that Najib's conviction elicited.

She "appeared calm and serene", according to New Straits Times (NST).

No need to take joy

Najib, the 72-year-old ex-leader of Malaysia, was convicted of 25 charges pertaining to the misappropriation of fund — four charges of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering — and sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined more than RM11 billion (S$3.5 billion).

Najib is currently already serving time in prison.

"What is saddening is when there are parties who take joy in the hardship and trials of our family," Rosmah said, referring to politicians' posts in the wake of Najib's conviction.

"No matter how much they hate Najib and me, I feel there is no need for anyone to take joy in our hardship," she reportedly lamented, as she said in a manner that suggested she was regretful.

Denied responsibility

Rosmah also chose to ignore allegations that she was the one who was responsible for Najib’s political downfall.

She said such allegations are "baseless" and she ignores such opinions so it would not affect her emotions.

She also said she largely draws strength from her family and close friends, who are aware of what happened amidst the negativity.

Rosmah also said she now focuses on leaving matters to God as she believes that is how “justice and truth may prevail in the future”.

She spends her time taking care of her grandchildren and family, while being supported by friends and relatives.

She said: “Prayer, Quran recitation... all my practices for God need no elaboration. Surely, as a wife, I am always praying for my husband.”

Avoid government matters

Rosmah added that she does not give public opinions or get involved in government administration matters anymore to avoid misunderstandings or slander.

She said: “Many come asking for advice, and so on, but I no longer want to interfere. If I speak, surely some will say I am meddling in matters unrelated to me.”

Najib regrets not seeing grandchildren grow up

Asked about her husband’s greatest regret in life, Rosmah said he cannot see his grandchildren grow up.

She added: "He missed many milestones in the family. That is what we regret the most. All the grandchildren love their grandfather and often ask about Najib. We try our best to protect them and share as much as we can."

“Despite the hardships, I must remain strong for the family and maintain a calm image,” she added.

Top photos via Rosmah Mansor Facebook