Guan Eng's undersea tunnel corruption trial: Prosecution objects defence inquiry on Najib connection

In Kuala Lumpur on October 24th the Sessions Court granted the prosecutions objection in the corruption case involving former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng regarding a question posed by the defense about a WhatsApp exchange, between their witness and businessman G.Gnanaraja concerning Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Judge Azura Alwi decided to remove the question as it was not related to the case at hand.

"Why are you as the lawyer bringing up the concept of 'trial by media’ in relation to the charges against the defendant, under the Anti Corruption Commission Act?" she questioned, "The prosecution must focus their efforts in proving the allegations of bribery; why divert attention to unrelated statements made by witnesses?"

Earlier in court proceedings today and according Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladins statement the defense team posed a question regarding the involvement of the ex CEO of Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd – Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohamad Zulkifli – who's also the 23rd witness for the prosecution. In relation, with the former prime minister.

He mentioned that Lims attorney RSN Rayer inquired Zarul Ahmad regarding his connection with Gnanaraja which Rayer described as positive as, per their WhatsApp exchange.

"Wan Shaharuddin stated that there's no necessity for elaboration, on the discussion."

The inquiry upset Zarul Ahmad too as it seemed unrelated to Lims charges and felt like an assault, on the witness.

Rayer emphasized the significance of the inquiry in demonstrating the bond, between Gnanaraja and the former prime minister Najib.

He mentioned that his decision to inquire about matters from Zarul Ahmad was consistent with the prosecutions earlier steps, which led to a public trial, by media by implying that Lim had received a bribe from Zarul Ahmad.

Wan Shaharuddin pointed out that the witnesss statement regarding the accused receiving a 10% share of the bribe was linked to the accusations, against Lim.

Lim is accused in the amended charge of using his role as the chief minister of Penang to accept bribes totaling RM 2 million while assisting Zarul Ahmads company in securing a contract for a significant project, in Penang valued at RM 5 billion encompassing a highway and undersea tunnel construction project.

Lim is accused of carrying out the deed at the Penang Chief Ministers Office from January 2011 to August 2017.

Lim is accused of requesting a payment to 10 percent of the earnings from Zarul Ahmad to assist in securing a contract for the businessmans firm, under the revised charge.

Lim reportedly carried out the incident to The Gardens Hotel on Lingkar Syed Putra in Mid Valley City between 12;30 a.m and 2;00 a.m, in March 2011.

He is also accused of being involved in the sale of two plots of land owned by the Penang government valued at RM208. 88 Million, to companies reportedly associated with the undersea tunnel project, in the state.

The alleged offense took place at the Komtar office of the Penang State Land and Mines Department on February 17th in 2015 and March 22nd in 2017.