Court of Appeal Defers Ruling as Double Jeopardy Argument Takes Centre Stage in Guan Eng Case
PUTRAJAYA, April 8 — The Court of Appeal has postponed its decision on an appeal by former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng, his wife Betty Chew Gek Cheng and businesswoman Phang Li Koon seeking to strike out corruption and money laundering charges.
A three-judge panel led by Azman Abdullah set April 27 for case management to fix a date for delivering its ruling, following detailed submissions from both sides.
The central issue in the appeal revolves around whether the current charges constitute double jeopardy or are based on distinct and newly uncovered facts.
The defence argued that the charges are closely linked to an earlier case involving Lim’s bungalow purchase, in which he was acquitted in 2018.
They contended that reusing similar facts and evidence amounts to an abuse of process and undermines fundamental principles of justice.
The defence further maintained that if the allegations were truly connected, they should have been brought together in the original proceedings.
The prosecution, however, rejected this argument, asserting that the present case is legally distinct despite involving the same individuals and similar offences.
They emphasised that further investigations conducted after the earlier case revealed new facts forming the basis of the current charges.
In the present case, Lim is accused of using his public office to obtain financial benefits involving his wife through a property management company.
He allegedly played a role in facilitating the award of a workers’ housing project worth over RM11 million to a company linked to his family.
Phang is accused of abetting the offence, while Betty Chew faces multiple counts of money laundering involving substantial sums.
The alleged offences, said to have taken place between 2013 and 2016, carry severe penalties, including up to 20 years’ imprisonment and significant fines if proven.
While the appeal to dismiss the charges remains unresolved, the main trial at the Penang High Court has yet to commence.
The deferment prolongs uncertainty in a high-profile case that continues to attract public attention due to its political significance and implications for governance and accountability.
-wilayah.com.my
