FORMER finance minister Lim Guan Eng is at the Butterworth courthouse to face graft charges for the second time in relation to the Penang undersea tunnel project.

The former Penang chief minister arrived at 8.50am in a SUV accompanied by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers.

Accompanying him were his lawyers, Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh and Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer.

His family, including DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, his wife Betty Chew and children, were also present.

Around 50 supporters gathered outside the court to show solidarity with Lim. They held up “Solidarity with Lim Guan Eng” placards and chanted “Free Guan Eng”.

Among the DAP leaders present include Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister 1 Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy and exco Phee Boon Poh.

A commotion broke out when an unknown man started shouting abuse at Lim for allegedly stealing from Penang folk. Police then escorted the man away.

Lim on Friday pleaded not guilty to a charge of soliciting a 10% bribe from the profits of the RM6.3 billion highway and undersea tunnel projects in Penang.

He was charged at a special corruption court in Kuala Lumpur on Friday before judge Azura Alwi.

Lim was accused of committing the offence in March 2011 near The Gardens Hotel, Mid Valley in Kuala Lumpur, when he was Penang chief minister.

He allegedly solicited the bribe from a senior executive director of Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd, the company which won the project. – August 10, 2020.