MACC: Lim Guan Eng’s move to award Penang tunnel project was in self-interested

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) told the Sessions Court that Lim Guan Eng’s decision to appoint Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) for the Penang undersea tunnel project was hasty and driven by personal interest.

Senior enforcement officer Zulhilmi Ramli said Lim’s actions showed a lack of transparency and disregard for the state’s open-tender process. He testified that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with BUCG in March 2011 effectively served as a direct award to the China-based firm.

Penang tunnel project

Zulhilmi added that Lim later signed a second MoU allowing BUCG to submit a proposal worth RM10 billion, contradicting the state executive council’s earlier decision to use open tender. He also said Lim allegedly sought 10% of project profits from Consortium Zenith’s Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli.

Lim faces four charges linked to the RM6.34 billion project. The trial continues tomorrow.

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