Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has been charged at the Sessions Court in the state with two counts of abuse of power.
The Democratic Action Party (DAP) secretary-general was accused of abusing his position in approving a land deal and in the purchase of a bungalow at RM2.8 million, below the market price of RM4.27 million, the Malay Mail Online reports.
Lim, 55, pleaded not guilty before Judicial Commissioner Datuk Azmi Ariffin and was granted bail at RM1mil. He was also ordered to inform the High Court before overseas travel.
If found guilty, Lim faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ jail and a fine no less than five times the bribe, RM10,000 whichever is higher.
Meanwhile, businesswoman Phang Li Khoon who was also arrested yesterday, claimed trial to the charge of abetting Lim in the purchases of a plot of land and the bungalow on Jalan Pinhorn.
According to the report, Phang was allowed bail at RM200,000 in one surety.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested Lim yesterday, amid heavy police presence around the government administrative offices in Komtar as rumours intensified over his impending arrest.
