Lim claimed trial to two charges before Sessions Court judge Roslan Hamid. One charge was under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 and another under the Penal Code.
He was charged with using his public office or position to obtain gratification for himself and his wife, Betty Chew, by approving an application by Magnificent Emblem, during a state exco meeting on July 18, 2014, to convert agricultural land to residential land.
Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 carries a minimum imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of five times the value of gratification or RM10,000 whichever is higher.
Lim was also charged under section 165 of the Penal Code.
On this charge, Lim was alleged to have used his position to obtain gratification by purchasing a bungalow from Phang at RM2.8 million, purportedly below the property’s market value of RM4.7 million on July 28, 2015.
The second offence carries imprisonment of a maximum of two years, a fine, and forfeiture of property upon conviction.
Lim was represented by Gobind Singh Deo who led the defence team.
Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi Ali is leading the prosecution team.
Apandi asked for the case to be transferred to the Penang High Court. Justice Roslan allowed the application and set the case for mention at the High Court.
At the High Court, Judicial Commissioner Azmi Ariffin set bail for Lim at RM1 million with one surety.
Lim, however, was allowed to keep his passport on the condition he notifies the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the High Court two days before leaving the country.
Azmi also set bail at RM200,000 for Phang with one surety, and without conditions.
The date for next hearing has been set at September 22.
Phang was charged under section 109 of the Penal Code for abetting Lim on July 28, 2015 on the sale of the bungalow at Jalan Pinhorn.
Phang was also alleged to have committed an offence under section 165 of the Penal Code. She purportedly used Lim’s position for gratification.