Judge Azura Alwi partially allowed the defence’s bid to remove parts of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigating officer Zulhilmi Ramli’s written testimony.

Among the contents taken out from Zulhilmi’s witness statement were references to the land transfer made in relation to the project as a “land scam” and a claim that key witness Zarul Ahmad Zulkifli was used as a “tool” by Lim.

Previously, Lim’s lawyers argued that parts of Zulhilmi’s written testimony should be expunged as they were his personal opinion. They also alleged that Zulhilmi was biased against Lim.

Lim was charged with using his position as then Penang chief minister to ask Zarul for a 10% cut of the profits from the undersea tunnel project and accepting RM3.3 million in kickbacks from the businessman.

He was also accused of two counts of dishonestly misappropriating RM208.7 million worth of state land.

Zulhilmi, continuing his testimony today, told the court that over 40 witness statements were taken in the undersea tunnel probe.

He added that the project, which consists of three main roads and an undersea tunnel, came into the picture during Lim’s administration.

“The previous government planned for the construction of the Penang Outer Ring Road but it did not materialise.

“(Subsequently) the state government under YB Lim decided to go ahead with the proposed ring road and included an additional tunnel,” Zulhilmi said.

He told the court that Lim initially “promised” to award the project directly to Zarul, but that the state exco decided it should go through an “open tender” bid.

“This was because this would be a mega project,” Zulhilmi said.

The hearing continues on Nov 13.