A key witness in Lim Guan Eng’s undersea tunnel corruption trial told the Sessions Court today that he was unable to testify as he remained traumatised after a violent robbery earlier this month.
Businessman G Gnanaraja said he was still recovering from injuries inflicted by a group of men who attacked him at a residence in Jalan Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya.
“I am so sorry (to the court)… I am not saying that I would not testify, I want to cooperate with the court, but I want to ask the police or any parties for help for my safety, because of what I have gone through.
“(I was slashed and received) stitches on my hand. I am in a traumatic situation.
“I am not okay to testify because I feel my safety is threatened, (as) anything can happen to me,” he said.
Judge Azura Alwi said it was the responsibility of the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to ensure Gnanaraja’s safety.
Deputy public prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat told the court that as the witness was not mentally fit, the prosecution would call investigating officer Zulhilmi Ramli instead. The trial will continue on August 27.
Police earlier confirmed that the robbery was unrelated to the case. Gnanaraja, who suffered injuries to his face and hand, had said he would seek protection under the witness protection programme.
Lim, the former Penang chief minister, is accused of seeking a 10 per cent cut of the profits from the undersea tunnel project and of accepting RM3.3 million in kickbacks. He also faces two charges of dishonestly misappropriating RM208.7 million worth of state land.