KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — In a significant development in the trial of former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng, the Sessions Court here has dismissed the defence’s plea for an arrest warrant against a key prosecution witness. The witness, Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd director Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli, 65, failed to produce a medical certificate (MC) during today’s proceedings, prompting the defence’s request. Judge Azura Alwi explained that while Zarul Ahmad did not provide an MC for today’s session, he has previously done so when unwell.
Despite this, the court decided against issuing a warrant, taking into account prior arrangements made by the lawyers and the accused. The court adjourned today’s proceedings, instructing Zarul Ahmad to submit the MC at the next hearing scheduled for June 7. The trial centers on allegations that Lim received bribes totaling RM3.3 million from Zarul Ahmad’s company to secure a significant construction project during Lim’s tenure as Penang chief minister. The case has garnered attention for its implications on the political landscape, with further proceedings set to shed light on the matter in the coming months.
