Witness In Guan Eng Case Robbed Incident Unrelated To Trial Police Say

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Police have classified the incident involving a key prosecution witness in former finance minister Lim Guan Eng’s corruption trial as a robbery.
Petaling Jaya district police chief Shahrulnizam Ja’afar confirmed that the incident was unrelated to the ongoing court proceedings.
Asked if the incident is linked to the case, he responded: “Tidak kena mengena (unrelated).”
In a statement, Shahrulnizam said several armed suspects, wielding machetes and wearing face coverings, broke into a house in Jalan Bukit Gasing and made off with valuables kept in a safe.
ADSThe perpetrators reportedly fled the scene via a forested trail behind the residence.
Shahrulnizam said the case is being investigated under Sections 395 and 397 of the Penal Code, which pertain to armed gang robbery.
He also urged those with information regarding the case to come forward to the nearest police station or contact the operations room of the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters at 03-79662222, or the investigating officer Fandhi Fatullah Abu Bakar at 014-6303090.
Verbal threat
Earlier, sources close to the trial told Malaysiakini that the victim was verbally threatened before being physically attacked.
When contacted, lead prosecutor Wan Shahruddin Wan Ladin confirmed the incident and said his team is awaiting instructions from MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki on the next course of action, including the possibility of seeking court protection for the victim.
Former Penang chief minister Lim Guan EngHe also said the matter will be raised at the next court proceeding on Aug 19.
The New Straits Times reported that there were 10 assailants, who had tied up two security guards before entering the house.
“The attackers also warned him to just stay at home and not become a hero,” the report added.
Lim, who is also the former Penang chief minister, is on trial over four corruption charges involving the planned construction of Penang’s undersea tunnel and paired roads project connecting the island to the mainland. - Mkini

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