Electoral reform group Bersih 2.0 joined the opposition
today in calling the corruption charges against Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan
Eng “selective persecution”.
In a statement, the group said that the way in which the DAP
lawmaker was investigated and immediately arrested was far more drastic than
others who have also been investigated for corruption.
“The manner in which YAB Lim was arrested reflects selective
prosecution as there are many other cases on corruption which have not been
dealt with nor with such speed,” the statement read.
Bersih 2.0 was referring to, among others, the RM2.6 billion
donation that was deposited into the prime minister’s personal account and
Switzerland’s chief prosecutor’s allegations that some RM16.6 billion had been
misappropriated from “Malaysian state companies.”
“Investigations into all these cases are still pending for
more than two years,” it said.
Instead of arresting the Penang lawmaker, the authorities
could have just summoned Lim to appear in court as the latter had been
cooperative throughout the investigative process, the electoral reform group
suggested.
“There is, therefore, no need to arrest nor for the
intimidating, heavy presence of MACC and police officers at Komtar,” it said.
The group reiterated that the case should be brought to
court and also urged the judiciary to display the utmost independence when
dealing with the Penang chief minister.
“We strongly urge the judge to show his or her independence
and fairness when delivering justice in the case,” it said.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) unexpectedly
arrested Lim at his office at the Komtar yesterday, arriving as the chief
minister was in the middle of chairing a meeting of his state executive
council.
This morning, Lim and businesswoman Phang Li Koon were
charged over an allegedly corrupt house purchase deal they struck last year.
Lim claimed trial to the charges ― one under Section 23 of
the MACC Act and another under Section 165 of the Penal Code.
He was accused of using his public office or position to
obtain gratification for himself and his wife, Betty Chew, by approving an
application by Magnificent Emblem to convert agricultural land to residential
purpose during a state planning committee meeting on July 18, 2014.
Section 23 carries a jail term of not more than 20 years and
a fine of five times the value of gratification or RM10,000 whichever is
higher.
In the Penal Code charge, Lim is alleged to have used his
position to obtain gratification by purchasing his house from Phang at RM2.8
million, which was below the property’s market value of RM4.27 million on July
28, 2015.
The second offence is punishable by up to two years’
imprisonment, a fine, and forfeiture of property upon conviction.
Phang meanwhile was charged with abetment under Section 109
of the Penal Code over the sale of the house on Jalan Pinhorn to Lim.
Source –Malay Mail Online-
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