As expected, Ling wants charges reviewed after Dr M’s ‘honest’ & 'did not cheat' testimony

KUALA LUMPUR - The defence in former Transport Minister Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik's trial will ask for the Attorney-General's Chambers to reconsider all charges against Ling, in light of testimony from a key witness.

Defence counsel Wong Kian Kheong informed the High Court that the defence will be sending a letter of representation to the AGC for reconsideration or review of the three charges of cheating against Ling.

"(This) is based on SD4's (fourth defence witness, Tun Mahathir Mohamad) testimony," said Wong.

Mahathir, 87, was finance minister from 2001 to 2003 when the 1,000 acre Pulau Indah land for the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project was being obtained.

He had earlier testified that he was not cheated by Ling in respect to the land buy.

"As prime minister, and finance minister at that time, were you misled, cheated or deceived by my client (Ling) with respect to the purchase of the PKFZ land?" Wong asked.

"Personally, I don't think so," said Mahathir.

He also said he had not received any complaints from other ministers that Ling had deceived or misled them.

Mahathir also said that his colleague of more than 15 years in the cabinet performed his duties as minister well.

"As far as I know, he (Ling) is an honest man," Mahathir said during examination-in-chief.

Asked if he thought Ling would be capable of cheating the government, he replied in the negative.

"No, he is not capable of cheating the government," he said.

Lead prosecutor Datuk Tun Majid Tun Hamzah however objected strongly to the question.

"How would the ex-PM know if (Ling) can cheat the government! Only he (Ling) would know if he is capable of cheating the government!" Tun Majid said, raising his voice, as members and supporters of Ling booed him.

Ling, 69, is accused of failing to reveal facts regarding an interest of 7.5% per year, in addition to the cost of the land which was priced at RM25 psf.

Ling is also accused of intentionally concealing the actual land price of RM21 psf "special value" as stated in the JPPH report dated Sept 29, 2000.

He faces one principal charge and two alternative charges under Sections 417 and 418 of the Penal Code for deceiving the cabinet by withholding details of the terms and conditions agreed between land owners Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd and the Port Klang Authority.

The court has set Dec 4 for case mention, pending the outcome of the representation.