RM1mil bail to go to charity

Chow: Donations received to secure Lim’s release to benefit others

GEORGE TOWN: The RM1mil raised to help Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng post bail will be channelled to a fund or a charitable organisation.

“We will first claim the money back from the court and later decide on contributing either to a designated fund or charitable organisation,” said Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow, adding that they would do this as soon as possible.

On Monday, the High Court freed Lim and businesswoman Phang Li

We will first claim the money back from the court and later decide on contributing either to a designated fund or charitable organisation. Chow Kon Yeow

Koon of corruption charges.

On June 30, 2016, Lim, who was Penang chief minister then, claimed trial at the George Town High Court to two charges of corrupt practices.

He was allowed bail of RM1mil pending disposal of the case.

The party launched a “RM10 in solidarity with Guan Eng” donation drive on the same day, and managed to achieve its RM1mil target in less than 24 hours.

After two years and having heard the testimony of 25 witnesses, the High Court on Monday acquitted Lim and Phang over the alleged conversion of land status and purchase of a bungalow below market value.

Lim was charged with using his position as chief minister to gain gratification for himself and his wife Betty Chew by approving the application for conversion of agricultural land to a public housing zone in Balik Pulau to Magnificent Emblem Sdn Bhd.

Phang was accused of abetting Lim.

Lim faced a second charge of using his position to obtain a plot of land and bungalow at No. 25, Jalan Pinhorn, on July 28, 2015, from Phang for RM2.8mil, at below market value.