Zulhilmi Ramli, from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), said he was assigned to the investigation in June 2020.

He said the probe focussed on allegations of power abuse, corruption and dishonest misappropriation of property involving Lim.

“The project was just a way to deceive the public, and it is more of a land scam,” said Zulhilmi.

He said his investigating team took statements from then Penang exco members, Consortium Zenith Sdn Bhd employees, and other witnesses in the course of the probe.

Zulhilmi also told the court that the key personality in the case was businessman Zarul Ahmad Zulkifli.

“(Then Penang exco) Datuk Lim Hock Seng told us that YB Lim had asked him to call Zarul after an exco meeting on Jan 26, 2011,” he added.

He also said Zarul claimed in his statement to MACC that Lim had asked him for a 10% cut in the tunnel project, to which Zarul agreed.

Zulhilmi insisted that his probe was not “biased” against Lim, and that his conclusions were drawn after reviewing the testimonies of all witnesses.

Lim is accused of using his position as then Penang chief minister to solicit a 10% share of profits from the undersea tunnel project and receiving RM3.3 million in bribes from Zarul.

He also faces two charges of dishonestly misappropriating RM208.7 million worth of state land.

The hearing continues before judge Azura Alwi on Oct 15.