The RM1.08-billion Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) corruption trial involving former transport minister Dr Ling
Liong Sik began in the High Court today.
The trial is being heard before High Court Judge Ahmadi Asnawi and it is expected to hear the testimonies of 40 witnesses.
Dr Ling was charged on July 29 last year of cheating the Government of Malaysia by misleading the Cabinet on a land acquisition for the mega distribution hub project in Port Klang.
Dr Ling is alleged to have deceived the Cabinet into agreeing to the terms of purchase between Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB) and Port Klang Authority (PKA) and giving its approval for the purchase.
He is said to have committed the deception with the knowledge that it could cause wrongful losses to the government and despite being bound by a fiduciary duty to protect the government.
The charge, under Section 418 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment or fine or both upon conviction.
Dr Ling faces an alternative charge of similar cheating for deliberately concealing facts related to the project from the Cabinet.
The charge, under Section 417 of the Penal Code, is punishable by imprisonment of up to five years or fine or both upon conviction.
Dr Ling is alleged to have committed the offences between Sept 25, 2002, and Nov 6, 2002 at the fourth floor of the Prime Minister’s Office at the Perdana Putra building in Putrajaya.
Dr Ling has pleaded not guilty to both counts.
Deputy Public Prosecutors Tun Abdul Majid Tun Hamzah and Manoj Kurup are appearing for the prosecution while Dr Ling is represented by counsel Wong Kian Kheong.
– Bernama
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