PENANG DUN | In his maiden speech at the state legislative assembly today, Penang opposition leader Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor (BN-Sungai Dua) expressed hope that the Attorney-General's Chambers would not drop corruption cases which have gone to court.

In saying this, Yusoff urged public prosecutors not to dismiss the graft cases involving Pakatan Harapan leaders, such as former Penang chief minister and current Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng’s (DAP-Air Putih) case.

“I hope the government does not drop corruption cases of Pakatan Harapan members so that the rule of law is respected," he said.

“We all know Lim's case is ongoing. I agree with the principle of innocent until proven guilty and that he will be only be convicted if the trial goes on,” Yusoff added.

Amanah Permatang Pasir assemblyperson Faiz Fadhil Noor interjected to say that since the case is on-going, it is subjudice to comment about it.

Yusoff pointed out that many cases of individuals being charged in court have been dropped recently.

In response, Chow Kon Yeow (DAP-Padang Kota) reminded Yusoff that cases involving Harapan leaders which were dismissed were related to sedition and security offences (special measures) or SOSMA cases.

"Even so, corruption cases involving Harapan leaders should go on until the court decides," Yusoff insisted.

Lim’s lawyer Ramkarpal Singh filed a representation to the AG's chambers on July 6 to seek a review of the DAP's secretary-general's two graft charges.

Penang High Court judge Hadhariah Syed Ismail had fixed Sept 3 as the final date for the prosecution to decide whether to continue or drop the case.

On Aug 2, attorney-general Tommy Thomas recused himself from all deliberations pertaining to Lim's graft cases due to allegations of conflict of interest as he has represented Lim in other court cases in the past.

Lim was charged two years ago with the conversion of state land from agriculture to residential in his capacity as state executive councillor for land matters in the Penang government.

He was also slapped with a second charge of allegedly using his position to obtain a bungalow in Jalan Pinhorn, George Town, at below the market value. He claimed trial to both charges