Guan Eng wants apology over Jerejak article

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng wants an English language daily to publish a retraction and apology over a Nov 16 article on an issue involving Pulau Jerejak.

He made the demand in a Nov 18 notice of defamation and claimed the article cast severe aspersions on his character and reputation.

Other than the retraction and apology, he is also demanding the publication prove the authenticity of the article, the identity of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) sources in the article, and damages.

Copies of the letter of demand were distributed at a press conference yesterday.

Pulau Jerejak came under the spotlight after PDC sold its 49% stake in Tropical Island Resort Sdn Bhd, a 1997 joint venture between PDC and UDA Holdings Berhad, to a subsidiary of Ideal Properties for RM156 million this year.

Penang Barisan Nasional chairman Teng Chang Yeow had questioned why the stake was sold as he claimed there was a RM220 million profit guarantee deal on the table in Dec 2013, but PDC denied there was such an offer. – by Aaron Ngui