BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he was “shocked” at the withdrawal of charges against Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng in the case involving the latter’s purchase of a bungalow at under market price when Lim was Penang Chief Minister.
The prime minister, however, said the court has made its decision and everyone should respect it.
“That was the decision of the court. Even in the past, if the courts made a wrong ruling, I never questioned.
“When the court makes a ruling, we have to accept it.
“If anyone is unable to accept it (the ruling), they can appeal it,” he said.
Dr Mahathir was addressing a press conference at the Istana Qashr Munee on Monday, shortly before ending his two-day official visit to Brunei Darussalam.
Asked on his response to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) statement which said the commission was “shocked” by the decision, Dr Mahathir said it was their right.
“Anyone has a right to be shocked. I’m also shocked,” he said.
The Penang High Court had on Monday granted a discharge amounting to an acquittal on Lim and businesswoman Phang Li Koon over their corruption charges, two years ago.
This followed an application made by Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Masri Mohd Daud to the court, based on a representation sent by the defence to the Attorney-General to withdraw the case, on July 6.
Masri had applied for a discharge not amounting to an acquittal.