Lim must apologise, says MACC

PETALING JAYA: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has been given 48 hours to apologise over his “slanderous” words against the anti-graft body.

Lim allegedly told a press conference on Thursday that it was “penahanan haram oleh SPRM” (illegal detention by the MACC) of Penang exco member Phee Boon Poh.

The ultimatum by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, effective from yesterday, means that Lim must apologise by 6.30pm tomorrow.

The MACC said it will consider legal action if Lim fails to issue an open apology unreservedly.

“MACC views the remarks seriously and finds it slanderous.

“It is aimed at tarnishing the good name and reputation of the MACC,” it said in a statement yesterday.

It pointed out that Penang High Court Judicial Commissioner Datuk Abdul Wahab Mohamed, in his judgment, did not state that the arrest was unlawful.

The MACC added that it has filed an appeal against the High Court’s decision on Aug 14, which ordered the release of Phee.

Since the appeal has yet to be heard, any comments regarding the arrest could be deemed as sub judice and contempt of court.