GEORGE TOWN: The High Court here today fixed Oct 11 for case management of the graft case involving former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng, his wife Betty Chew and businesswoman Phang Li Koon in the RM11.6 million workers' quarters project.
High Court Judicial Commissioner Rofiah Mohamad also allowed all three to be excused from proceedings on the said date.
During this morning's proceeding, Lim's counsel, RSN Rayer, told the court that the Court of Appeal had fixed Aug 7 for case management of the appeal filed by the trio.
"As such, we are asking the court here to set Oct 11 for case management for the Court of Appeal case to be completed.
"All parties have agreed to the date," he told the court.
On May 3, Rofiah dismissed Lim, Chew and Phang's application for their graft case to be struck out.
This meant that the matter would go on trial.
Rayer had filed an application to strike out the case last year citing the use of the same evidence in an unrelated case where Lim was acquitted back in 2018.
He had claimed the prosecution was using evidence from the previous criminal case involving the purchase of Lim's bungalow in Jalan Pinhorn despite his acquittal and discharge in 2018.
The trio then filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Deputy Public Prosecutors Ashrof Adrin Kamarul, Syed Faisal Syed Amir and Shafiq Hasim prosecuted.
Also appearing for the defence was A Ruebankumar.
In Aug 2020, Lim claimed trial at the Sessions Court to a charge of abusing his power to obtain RM372,009.00 for his wife, Chew.
Lim is alleged to have used his position as the Penang chief minister and Penang Development Corporation (PDC) Tender Board to obtain gratification of RM372,009.00 for his wife Chew through Excel Property Management & Consultancy Sdn Bhd.
He allegedly used his position to ensure Magnificent Emblem Sdn Bhd was offered a request for proposal for a workers' quarters project in Batu Kawan in South Seberang Perai worth RM11,610,000.
He allegedly committed the offence sometime between Aug 19, 2013 and March 3 , 2016 at the Penang chief minister's office at Level 28 in Komtar.
He was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which is punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act.