Cops intimidating important witness with probe threat on Phang, says DAP

DAP will back businesswoman Phang Li Koon, who sold her Jalan Pinhorn bungalow to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, following what it says are intimidation tactics by the police to probe her.

State party chief Chow Kon Yeow said the warning by the inspector-general of police to probe Phang for signing an allegedly false statutory declaration (SD) is an attempt to "intimidate" her.

"It's an act of intimidation as Phang is an important witness in the bungalow case which is now being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)," Chow said at a press conference on Jalan Pattani in Penang today.

He said the allegation that Phang signed a false SD was probably based on her company's name being listed on the website of PenangInvest, a state government agency.

Chow declined to comment about the matter, saying he does not wish to muddle up the current probe by the police and MACC.

"After Phang signed the SD, many quarters are more aware now about the case.

On behalf of the party and its women's wing, Chow thanked Phang for remaining strong and firm in the face of such police warning and intimidation.

"We will support her when she faces these pressures. We hope she stands firm on her SD until the case is over, and we hope she remains calm," Chow said.

Police are acting on a report lodged by Penang Umno Youth secretary Izan Fahmi Md Tahar on March 23 claiming that Phang had business links with the state government as her company name - Windbond Management and Consultant Sdn Bhd - was listed on the PenangInvest website.

In her SD, Phang had refuted allegations that she received kickbacks over the sale of the bungalow as she was alleged to be linked to the private company KLIDC which bought the Taman Manggis land in 2010.

Accompanying Chow at the press conference were several state executive councillors - Phee Boon Poh, who is related to Phang; Jagdeep Singh Deo; and Lim Hock Seng – as well as Seri Delima assemblyperson RSN Rayer.

Last night, top cop Khalid Abu Bakar said police will be investigating Phang for allegedly making a false statutory declaration.

Khalid had said the police will call all witnesses, including the chief minister, to answer questions on the bungalow purchase for RM2.8 million, allegedly below market price. -Mkini