GEORGE TOWN (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has been taken into custody by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The secretary general of Democratic Action Party (DAP) was arrested as soon as he exited the conference room at 6.20pm on Wednesday (June 29) in Komtar after chairing the state's weekly exco meeting.
Also arrested was Phang Li Koon, who reportedly sold a RM2.8 million (S$938,000) bungalow to Lim.
The duo were arrested after receiving instructions from the Attorney-General's Office to charge them in court on Thursday, the MACC said.
Five to eight plainclothes men were seen escorting Lim in a private lift from Level 28.
State exco member Chow Kon Yeow told reporters that Lim would be taken to the MACC office where he will be served with a warrant for his arrest on two charges.
"The charges are under Section 23 and Section 165 of the Anti-Corruption Act.
"The first charge is about the re-zoning approval of Magnificent Emblem's application to convert agricultural land to residential. But as we know, this was rejected by the Penang Island City Council," said Mr Chow.
"The second one relates to the purchase of his bungalow at below market value. He will be charged at the Sessions Court tomorrow morning."
Asked if Mr Lim said anything to his exco team before being taken away, Mr Chow said: "Not much. Just be strong."
He said Penang DAP would hold an emergency meeting on Thursday after Mr Lim has been charged in court.
"We believe he will be allowed bail. The state exco will also hold an emergency meeting."
Mr Lim's purchase of the bungalow on July 28 last year was also linked to the state's sale of state land in Taman Manggis to Kuala Lumpur International Dental Centre (KLIDC), the New Straits Times reported.
