PENANG exco Lim Hock Seng is not under Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission detention, said his counsel.

R.S.N. Rayer said Lim was only asked to give his statement as a witness in the anti-graft agency’s ongoing investigations into the state’s undersea tunnel and highways project.

“He is not being detained. He was given a notice yesterday, asking him to come and give his statement as a witness.

“He is still having his statement recorded as we speak,” Rayer told reporters outside the Penang MACC headquarters this evening.

Lim is the exco in charge of public works, transportation and utilities. He is the first state government leader to be called up by MACC to facilitate investigations into the project.

MACC launched a probe into the project early last month when it raided the offices of several state government departments, the special purpose vehicle (SPV) undertaking the project, and private companies with business dealings with the SPV.

Rayer said Lim was doing fine at the state MACC headquarters since he arrived at 9am.

“Lunch and dinner were provided.

“MACC may be able to finish up with him by tonight. We will be notified later. If necessary, they can ask him to come again tomorrow.”

Rayer said if Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy was called up at 9am tomorrow to have his statement recorded, he would also accompany the latter to the state MACC headquarters.

Ramasamy reportedly said he, too, had been asked to assist in the investigations into the state infrastructure project.

Earlier today, when asked if more Penang government leaders would be called up after Lim and Ramasamy, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki said: “It depends on the outcome of the investigations.” – February 13, 2018.