MACC is “Shocked” by Penang Court Dropping Corruption Charge Against Lim Guan Eng

It looks like there are no more corruption charges against Lim Guan Eng now!

According to Free Malaysia Today, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng along with businesswoman Phang Li Koon have officially been acquitted of corruption charges by the Penang High Court. The charges were filed against them in June 2016 for them allegedly purchasing a bungalow below market price.

Lim Guan Eng was charged with allegedly using his position as the then-Chief Minister of Penang to obtain gratification for himself and his wife by approving an application from a property management company to convert agricultural land for residential purposes during a state exco meeting on 18th July 2014.

Source: the star

The decision to drop the charges was made by deputy public prosecutor Masri Mohd Daud after he had received representations from the accused. However, he had asked the court to consider a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA).

In response to this, Lim and Phang’s lawyers objected the move as it “leaves a cloud hanging over their heads” as they can be charged again in the future. Judge Hadhariah Syed Ismail agreed with the lawyers, adding that the court had already heard 25 witnesses testify and can’t afford another round of testimonies. 

After the judge ordered them to be discharged amounting to an acquittal, Lim Guan Eng thanked his lawyers and told the press outside the court that the “unbearable stress” from the past two years is finally gone. He stated,

“This has cleared our names. Today, Phang and I were ready for any kind of possibility. I am glad for my lawyers, my family, party leaders and my supporters who have been with me through thick and thin. I also thank Phang who stood by me through this ordeal.”

“We want to celebrate our success which I never expected this morning. After this, we will continue our job of making Malaysia better.”

Source: sinar harian

In light of the charges being dropped, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), according to Astro Awani. The commission issued a statement, saying,

“The MACC is very shocked by the Penang Island High Court’s decision to acquit Lim Guan Eng of charges in connection with the purchase of a bungalow and the charge of conspiring with businesswoman Phang Li Khoon, after the prosecution retracted the case.”

They also stressed that this decision was made by the Attorney General’s office and not by the MACC.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!

Also read: Police Reports Lodged Against Lim Guan Eng For Playing “ABCD GST” Song to Children