MP SPEAKS | First MACC, now AGC going all out against me
MP SPEAKS | The comments by the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) on the two new charges against me for misappropriation of property, amounting to RM208.7 million under the penal code in relation to the tunnel and three highway project(tunnel project), has only reinforced public suspicion that the charges are politically motivated.
First, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and now the AGC is going all out against me with their comments that they are 99 percent sure of a conviction in line with the Perikatan Nasional's government new political strategy of "Ini semua salah Lim Guan Eng" (this is all Lim Guan Eng's fault).
I had earlier faced three charges for corruption in relation to the tunnel project even...
MP SPEAKS | The comments by the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) on the two new charges against me for misappropriation of property, amounting to RM208.7 million under the penal code in relation to the tunnel and three highway project(tunnel project), has only reinforced public suspicion that the charges are politically motivated.
First, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and now the AGC is going all out against me with their comments that they are 99 percent sure of a conviction in line with the Perikatan Nasional's government new political strategy of "Ini semua salah Lim Guan Eng" (this is all Lim Guan Eng's fault).
I had earlier faced three charges for corruption in relation to the tunnel project even though no corruption or gratification money was found in my personal bank account or in my possession as cash. And yet I am charged - "Ini semua salah Lim Guan Eng".
The tunnel project was granted by open tender in 2013 decided by the Penang State Tender Board headed by the state secretary and other senior government officers. And yet I am charged when I am not in the State Tender Board - "Ini semua salah Lim Guan Eng".
The payment of RM208 million decided by land swap is in accordance with the agreement signed between the state government and contractor decided by the exco and other technical committees. And yet I am charged when I was not the only one making the decision on the agreement - "Ini semua salah Lim Guan Eng".
The decision to pay RM 208 million was made after recommendation by an independent expert engineering consultant to senior government officers. The independent consultant was appointed by open tender. Despite not making the recommendation or decision to pay because I am not an engineer, yet I am the one charged - "Ini semua salah Lim Guan Eng".
'Mother of all lies
My lawyers can not understand why the AGC is so intent on transferring my case to Kuala Lumpur, even though the charges against me allegedly occurred from beginning to end, entirely in Penang. What is even more unusual is the belligerent remarks by the AGC against me.
Lead deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin boasted of a sure win with a 99 percent chance of conviction, and that the two new charges were the mother of all charges.
This is not the mother of all charges. Instead, it is the mother of all PN's lies that "this is all Lim Guan Eng's fault".
The DPP's remarks of a 99 percent conviction chance are inappropriate and have already prejudged me, even before my trial, that I am already guilty. Many have commented that the DPP's public statements are potentially dangerous, can destroy a person's reputation and prejudice my right to a fair trial.
The latest two charges on Friday that I had misappropriated government property amounting to RM208 million is baseless and illogical when I had not taken any benefit. The land valued at RM208 million was payment in the form of a land swap in accordance with the agreement between the state government and the contractor.
Further, the land was transferred after the final decision by the exco. If I am charged, then will this also lead to the preposterous conclusion that all exco members or the entire state government and its 10,000 staff will also have to be charged?
LIM GUAN ENG is Bagan MP, former finance minister, and former Penang chief minister.
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Editor's note: Based on legal advice, the commenting feature for the above article has been disabled.
