Guan Eng is entitled to explain his position: Gobind Singh

GEORGE TOWN: Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo is of view that Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng can explain to the people on why he claimed trial and professed innocence after being charged for graft and abuse of power last month.

The practicing lawyer who is defending Lim in the trial said his client was charged for two offences and that the charges were read to him in open court and published extensively.

He said it would be absurd to suggest that the Public Prosecutor can prefer charges against anyone but are not not allowed to say anything in response except and until their day in court.

"I take the view that every accused person is entitled to explain his position in response to charges against him," he said in a statement today.

Gobind also called upon Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali to stop threatening Lim after a final warning was reportedly issued against the two-term chief minister to stop commenting on the criminal charges he faces.

He said he will not hesitate to move contempt proceedings against Apandi who is the lead prosecutor in the trial of Lim.

He said Apandi is now a Public Prosecutor conducting the case before the High Court and that there were rules which apply at the Bar.

He said problems can be raised with counsel on the other side and there were ways to properly deal with the issues if there were disagreements.