Wrong for Guan Eng to criticise MACC: Penang Umno chief

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng should not be critical of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) just because they have dragged him to court over an alleged corrupt practice, said Penang Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman.
Neither should Lim allege that MACC is under the control of Umno, said Zainal.
For Lim's own information, MACC does not report to Umno and the party was not responsible for any investigation conducted by them, he added.
Therefore, it was inappropriate for Lim to slam MACC or to accuse it of being controlled by Umno just because the commission had charged Lim in court over alleged corruption, Zainal said.
"Lim's action to raise an issue now over the sale of a 3.46ha land in Mukim 9, Kampung Tok Keramat in Nibong Tebal by the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) is an attempt to deflect the attention of the people from the MACC's probe of the undersea tunnel."
The proposed RM6.3 billion cross-channel undersea tunnel project has come under close scrutiny by the MACC since the start of the year with several persons hauled up for investigations and for their statements to be recorded.
According to Zainal, Lim should consider taking leave while his corruption trial begins in about a month's time, and he should remain on leave pending the completion of the case.
"Lim should emulate the example set by the chief executive officer of JKP Sdn Bhd, who went on leave when allegations of wrongdoing surfaced online. The person wishes not to be seen as influencing his officers during the investigation."
The due process of law may be affected if Lim does not take a leave of absence during the corruption trial as he remained as Penang's chief executive officer, Zainal added.
"He could end up pressuring the witnesses of the prosecution, especially if they are state officers."