Adlin Abdul Majid, who is now a judicial commissioner in the High Court here, was appointed by the state government in 2013 to help draw up the agreement for the privatisation of major roads and undersea tunnel projects in Penang.
The 13th prosecution witness was giving evidence in response to a testimony by former Penang state legal adviser Faiza Zulkifli that there was a “huge mistake” in the contents of the agreement.
On Nov 12, Faiza had said she was not consulted on the draft agreement as Lim, the then Penang chief minister, had appointed the law firm of Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill to evaluate the agreement.
Adlin, who was a partner in the firm, was appointed as probation judge in March this year.
She said the agreement was brought before the Penang state executive council meeting on Oct 4, 2013 and Faiza was present in her capacity as ex-officio member.
Under cross-examination by Lim’s lead counsel, Gobind Singh Deo, Adlin said the agreement had been presented to the exco to get its consent for certain amendments to be made.
Adlin said Faiza did not raise any objections during the exco meeting regarding the agreement.
Gobind: The prosecution said there was a “big blunder” in the agreement. Were you told of such a big blunder in the agreement?
Adlin: No.
Gobind: Did you ever meet Faiza?
Adlin: No, although appointments were made to meet her.
Gobind: (Do you) agree that Faiza, too, did not have any obstacles to meet you?
Adlin: Yes.
Gobind: You attempted to meet her but there was no response.
Adlin: Yes.
Gobind: (Do you) agree, that you have to protect the interest of the Penang government?
Adlin: Yes.
Lim is charged with using his position as chief minister to ask Consortium Zenith-BUCG director Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli for a 10% cut of the profits from the undersea tunnel project, and accepting RM3.3 million in kickbacks from the businessman.
He is also accused of two counts of dishonestly misappropriating RM208.7 million worth of state land to two companies.
The hearing before Judge Azura Alwi continues.