The proposal to drop the corruption charges involving finance minister-designate Lim Guan Eng, strongly reeks of political interference, said MCA's Ti Lian Ker.
In a statement today, the MCA publicity spokesperson said that it was best if the due process of law was respected and followed.
"Justice must be served when it is due. Both institutions of the attorney-general and the judiciary must be allowed to discharge their duties without any form of interference.
"If politicians start giving these institutions certain instructions, then we are no different from what we were before when we alleged political interference.
“MCA strongly urges the Pakatan Harapan government to be transparent and refrain from interfering or asserting any political pressure on the institutions tasked with carrying out and upholding the law," said Ti.
Ti was referring to the postponement of the trial of former Penang chief minister, Lim and businesswoman Phang Li Koon, which was slated to begin today, as the accused are seeking a new representation with the new attorney-general.
The new AG to replace Mohamed Apandi Ali - who was asked to go on a month's leave after Pakatan Harapan formed the new government - is expected to be appointed in July.
Lim's trial, which went on for two days in March, was postponed to today because of the 14th general election.
On June 30, 2016, Lim had claimed trial to charges linked to the conversion of state land from agriculture to residential and the purchase of a plot of land and a bungalow (above) at below the market value.
If convicted, Lim faces imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the sum or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
He faces a second charge of using his position to obtain for himself the plot of land and a bungalow, located at No 25, Jalan Pinhorn, George Town, on July 28, 2015, from Phang for RM2.8 million, which was alleged to be below the market value of RM4.27 million.
If convicted, Lim faces a jail term of up to two years, or a fine, or both.
Lim is set to be sworn in as the finance minister today following Harapan's win in the 14th general election on May 9.
Phang also claimed trial to the charge of abetting Lim in obtaining the bungalow at an undervalued cost.
If convicted, she faces a jail term of up to two years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Ti urged the Harapan government to look into the alleged weaknesses in the judicial system and plug it to ensure incidences like the conviction of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, which they had insisted were due to political tampering in the judicial system, would not recur in the future. -Mkini
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