An investigating officer told the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today that discussions had taken place between Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) and the Penang government regarding the Penang undersea tunnel project without involving other bidders.

MACC Investigation Division senior superintendent Zulhilmi Ramli said the situation gave BUCG an advantage in securing the project through direct negotiation before the implementation method was changed to an open tender.

“Based on...