#KiniNews: Guan Eng and Phang claim trial to graft, Chew to Amla charges

Former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng and businessperson Phang Li Koon have claimed trial to graft charges, while Lim's wife Betty Chew has been charged with money laundering at the Butterworth Sessions Court today.

Lim pleaded not guilty to a charge under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009 for using his position at the time for the gratification of RM372,009 for Chew, through private company Excel Property Management and Consultancy Sdn Bhd.

Speaking at a press conference after the hearing Lim said that it was an act of political vengeance against him and added that the company involved did not even get the project.

Today's charge came on top of two criminal graft charges levelled against the former finance minister in relation to the multi-billion ringgit Penang undersea tunnel project.

Lim yesterday claimed trial to the charge of using his position for personal gratification of up to RM3.3 million and on Friday for soliciting bribes in connection with the same mega infrastructure project.