GEORGE TOWN: The bail initially set for Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who was today charged with corruption, was more than RM1 million, Lim’s lead defence counsel Gobind Singh revealed.
Gobind, who is representing the DAP secretary-general, said the attorney-general and the deputy public prosecutors had initially come up with a “certain figure” which was higher than what was agreed upon.
“Yes, it was negotiated to RM1 million in exchange for the need for Lim to surrender his passport.
“It is less of a nuisance,” he told reporters at the Penang DAP press conference at the Town Hall today.
Gobind, however, refused to divulge further details.
“I am not at liberty to tell you how much.”
Earlier today, Lim, along with businesswoman Phang Li Khoon, was charged at the Sessions Court over their bungalow deal last year.
Lim also faces an additional charge relating to a land application.
The case was later transferred to the Penang High Court, where Judicial Commissioner Azmi Ariffin set bail for Lim at RM1 million in one surety.
Lim, however, was allowed to keep his passport on the condition that he notifies the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the High Court two days before leaving the country.