Guan Eng, businesswoman held
Published on: Thursday, June 30, 2016
GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over a bungalow purchase in 2015.MACC officers brought him out from his office on the 28th floor of the Komtar building here at about 6.30pm.They also arrested businesswoman Phang Li Koon, who sold him the controversial Pinhorn Road bungalow, at her Penang Garden office at 4.15pm.
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They will be charged at the sessions court here today (Thursday).Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali said he would lead the prosecution team."InsyaAllah, I will lead the prosecution team at the Penang Sessions Court," he said. It is understood that Lim had just finished chairing the weekly Penang exco meeting when the arrest papers were served on him.
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He was then taken to a state government car where he was whisked to the Penang MACC headquarters.His exco members followed closely behind in a parade of official cars.
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Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik said Lim was to have his statement recorded there.Penang Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said Lim was to be charged under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 165 of the Penal Code.It is learned the first charge relates to rezoning agriculture land to residential use while the charge under the Penal Code is for the alleged purchase of the property below market value."The first charge was for rezoning approval of Magnificent Emblem's application to convert agricultural land to residential purpose, but as we know, the MBPP has rejected the plan," a State Executive Councillor said, referring to the local council.The second charge was over Lim's house purchase allegedly for below market value, but Chow said there were currently no charges over the sale of the Taman Manggis land.Section 23 of the MACC Act covers the offence of using one's public office or position to obtain gratification for decisions made, while Section 165 of the Penal Code – which was used to convict former Selangor Mentri Besar Khir Toyo – pertains to the same offence.Both offences are punishable by up to two years' imprisonment, a fine, and forfeiture of property.Lim is under probe by MACC over the purchase of the bungalow for RM2.8 million, alleged to be below market value, and which has been linked to the sale of state land in Taman Manggis here.The allegation was made by Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Shahbuddin Yahya during Parliament proceedings a few months ago.Lim bought the property from Phang and both have denied any wrongdoing.Phang has since made a statutory declaration (SD) that the RM2.8 million price was agreed upon earlier in 2012 and an agreement to that effect was signed in 2014.She also said she was neither a director nor shareholder of the company which won the bid for the state land nor was she involved in the management of the company.The Taman Manggis land has been in the limelight after the plot – which was earmarked for a People's Housing Project (PPR) – was sold to a private developer to build a medical centre.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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