A prosecution witness in the corruption trial involving the Penang undersea tunnel and major road project told the Sessions Court that an alleged RM3.3 million payment to former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng was made in cash and delivered in stages, rather than through bank transfers.
Senior Assistant Superintendent Zulhilmi Ramli from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said the funds were allegedly handed over in instalments and passed through intermediaries, based on his investigation findings.
He told the court that the absence of a clear financial trail did not weaken the investigation, as other witness testimonies and supporting evidence helped substantiate the case.
Zulhilmi said the prosecution’s main witness, former Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd director Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli, had provided statements that were corroborated by other witnesses, including accounts of meetings and alleged cash exchanges.
He also testified that investigations uncovered alleged meetings involving Lim, Zarul Ahmad and businessman G Gnanaraja, supported by forensic analysis of photographs and related evidence.
The witness further claimed that the cash was allegedly delivered through Gnanaraja in several instalments, rather than being deposited into any bank account.
Lim, who was Penang chief minister at the time, is facing charges related to the Penang major road and undersea tunnel project worth over RM6 billion, including allegations of using his position for gratification and soliciting a 10% cut of profits linked to the project.
He also faces additional charges involving alleged disposal of state land to companies linked to the project.
The trial before Judge Azura Alwi continues on May 14.
