Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s corruption case over a bungalow purchase has been transferred to the Penang High Court this morning.
Lim, 56, and businesswoman Phang Li Khoon, were detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) yesterday in connection with the chief minister's purchase of a bungalow here for an alleged undervalued price of RM2.8 million.
The bungalow at Jalan Pinhorn was formerly owned by Phang.
The duo are slated to be charged under the MACC Act 2009.
UPDATE: Lim Guan Eng pleads not guilty on two corruption charges
Lim arrived at the courthouse around 10am escorted by MACC officers. Earlier, he was brought out of the SPRM office in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah here via the commission’s official transport.
The DAP secretary-general’s arrival at the courthouse was met with cheers from fellow supporters who had begun gathering there since 8am.
Lim, donning a black suit and a red tie, looked calm as he entered the courthouse. He first embraced his family members before shaking hands with several DAP and PKR state leaders who were there to support him.
Although Lim was calm, the same could not be said for his family as they could not hold back tears.
At the time Lim exited the Sessions Court to make his way to the High Court, some 1,000-odd supporters and members of the public had gathered outside the premises.
This is the first time in four decades that a serving minister is being charged in court with corruption, after the late Datuk Seri Harun Idris. Harun, who was the eight Selangor Menteri Besar and the state's longest serving MB to date, had been found guilty of various corruption charges, including misuse of state funds, between 1975 and 1977 and sentenced to six years' jail.
It is also noted that this is the first time Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamad Apandi Ali is leading the prosecution following his appointment as A-G on July 27 last year.
READ: Chronology of events leading to Guan Eng's arrest
READ: Penang DAP to hold emergency meeting today
Astro Awani
Thu Jun 30 2016
Lim (centre) being escorted to the Penang Sessions Court this morning. - BERNAMApic
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.