Police open probe into purchase of bungalow by Penang CM

Police have opened an investigation into the purchase of a bungalow by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng allegedly below market value, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

He said this followed the receipt of police reports from various quarters on the purchase of the bungalow in Jalan Pinhorn, George Town, for RM2.8 million.

Khalid said the police would record statements soon from Lim and the seller of the bungalow, Phang Li Koon.

The police investigation differed from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission probe in that it was concerned only with an allegedly false declaration, he told a press conference after the 209th Police Day parade here.

Lim's purchase of the bungalow became a controversy after Penang Regional Development Authority chairman and Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Shabudin Yahaya raised the matter in the Dewan Rakyat.

He said Lim had bought the bungalow for RM2.8 million when the market value was more than RM3 million.

Shabudin asked the MACC to also investigate an allegation that land meant for housing for the hardcore poor in Penang had been sold to private buyers.