Cross-examination in Guan Eng trial put off after key witness calls in sick

KUALA LUMPUR: The defence cross-examination of Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli in Lim Guan Eng's undersea tunnel project corruption trial has been postponed as the witness was unwell on Wednesday (Aug 10).

The Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZC) senior executive director, the 23rd prosecution witness, called in sick.

Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib said Zarul Ahmad contacted him in the morning and said he had been given four days of medical leave.

ALSO READ: Guan Eng corruption trial adjourned as witness unwell

"Datuk Zarul Ahmad had informed us this morning that he had been given four days of medical leave until Aug 12.

"So we are unable to call him to the stand today," he said.

Ahmad Akram noted that the prosecution has since arranged for two other witnesses to be called instead.

ALSO READ: Key witness was ready to bribe PM to close Penang tunnel graft probe

Lim's counsel Gobind Singh Deo said the defence was not ready to cross-examine these two witnesses as it had been focussing on questioning Zarul Ahmad on the stand.

Judge Azura Alwi then allowed the trial to proceed with the two testifying by reading out their witness statements, and the defence would conduct a reserve cross-examination later.

ALSO READ: Guan Eng graft trial: Witness changed stance after 11-day detention by MACC (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/04/guan-eng-graft-trial-witness-changed-stance-after-11-day-detention-by-macc)

On Tuesday (Aug 9), the proceeding had to be cut short after Zarul Ahmad requested to be excused as he was not feeling well and had to see a specialist as advised by his doctor.

He had earlier said that his blood pressure was up and he was having palpitations.

The trial resumes.