Influential Malaysian Opposition Politician Accused of Graft

Around eight officers from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) took custody of Lim, also the secretary-general of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), from his office in Penang.

An angry opposition alleged that Najib was behind the charges against Lim, accusing the premier of mounting a political offensive and planning to call snap elections next year – one year ahead of schedule.

He also said that Lim was innocent until proven otherwise, adding that he did not have any doubt that his Penang counterpart did not commit the crimes for which he was charged today.

Lim is expected to be charged tomorrow for two offences, according to Chow Kon Yeow, a state assemblyman in Penang. “I did not receive any benefits other than what was allowed”.

“These are the concerted actions of a man desperate to hold on to power at all costs, one who would choose to drag the nation through the mother of all scandals and ignominy rather than give up the post of prime minister”, he added. The government cleared him in January, saying the money was a donation from the Saudi royal family and that Najib had returned most of it.

Azmin said while that it was true that Najib commanded all the organs of power, the latter however must remember that even dictators with unlimited power would eventually fall.

Opposition leaders lamented Lim’s arrest. Anwar controlled the People’s Justice Party and led the alliance until his incarceration in early 2015.

Lim was under investigation by the anti-corruption body over his suspected purchase of an estate from a local businesswoman below market price.

Lim bought the house for $700,000 and said it was an open transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller. It wrapped up that probe last month and submitted the results to the attorney general.

The Chief Minister claimed trial to both charges when produced in court on Thursday morning and was later released on RM1mil bail.

The second charge alleged he used his office to obtain gratification for himself and his wife by approving an application to convert agricultural land to residential land, the Malay Mail said. If convicted, he could be jailed a maximum 20 years and fined an amount of no less than five times the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher. The chief minister’s possible jailing is a blow to an already weakened opposition.