Lim told High Court he has normal relationship with Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng told the Penang High Court today that his relationship with business tycoon Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping was a normal one.

He said the relationship between him and Tan was merely that of a state government and the adviser of the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

He was also asked to define the relationship between him and Tan under examination by counsel Raja Eileen Soraya Raja Aman.

“Please answer the question, do you have a close relationship with Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping,” she asked Lim.

“I have a normal relationship with Tan Sri,” was the reply.

Lim is suing the now defunct news portal FZ Sdn Bhd, and its managing editor Terence Fernandez, over an article published on Jan 3, 2014, titled "MACC begins probe on Merc purchase".

He claimed the article had tarnished his name and reputation in his professional and political capacity as well as “in personam” (against the person).

Lim also claimed the article painted him as corrupt, dishonest, of no calibre, untrustworthy, and not fit to be a leader in Penang and Malaysia.

He is requesting for relief including general damages, punitive damages and exemplary damages among others.

Lim is represented by Datuk N. Mureli while Raja Eileen and Amanda Loh acted for FZ and Fernandez.

Earlier during questioning, Lim was also asked if he was aware whether his relationship with Tan was discussed in social media.

Raja Eileen also pressed on her line of questioning and asked if he has someone, like a press secretary, to review social media postings to pick up news relating to him or the state government.

Lim said his press secretary does not search for fake news in social media and that the job was to pick up genuine news.

“The press secretary does not search for fake news, just pick up the news,” he added.