MACC arrests Guan Eng over undersea tunnel project

Former finance minister detained at commission HQ in Penang after having statement recorded

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) has arrested former Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng in connection with the RM6.3 billion Penang undersea tunnel project.

MACC sources confirmed that Lim was arrested at about 9.30pm yesterday after having his statement recorded regarding the case at the MACC headquarters in Penang.

Meanwhile, MACC said in a statement that Lim would be charged under Section 16 (a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009 in a special corruption court in Jalan Duta at 9am today.

It said Lim would also be charged at the Penang sessions court on Monday under Section 23 of the same Act.

“Both charges in the Kuala Lumpur and Penang courts are related to the Penang undersea tunnel project,” said the statement.

MACC also said Lim would also be charged for a separate case on Tuesday under Section 23 at the Penang sessions court.

Lim had arrived at the MACC headquarters earlier last night and was seen entering the compound in a white MPV at about 9.10pm.

The Bagan member of Parliament had previously been called up three times to give statements regarding the case.

Earlier reports stated that investigations into the case were in the final phase, while MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki was quoted as saying that investigation papers on the case were expected to be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers in the near future.

On June 30, MACC detained a former senior official of the Penang Port Commission to assist with investigations into elements of corruption in the project.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, as well as several current and former state executive council members, were also called to provide statements to MACC.