Ling’s defence witness to be impeached
(The Sun Daily) – The prosecution in the cheating trial of former transport minister Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik has notified the High Court that it intends to impeach a witness, who is a former minister.
Lead prosecutor Datuk Tun Majid Tun Hamzah yesterday told Justice Datuk Ahmadi Asnawi that the prosecution would impeach former tourism, culture and arts minister Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Syeikh Fadzir (pic) when hearing resumes tomorrow.
However, he did not offer a reason.
Abdul Kadir, 74, who was the third defence witness in Ling’s trial, had served as a minister from 1999 to 2006.
During cross-examination, Abdul Kadir was repeatedly questioned on several documents regarding the price of the 1,000-acre Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) land in Pulau Indah, including the valuation report by the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH).
Asked if he thought the land price of RM25 psf was inclusive of 6% interest, Abdul Kadir said it did not, based on his understanding of the report.
However, during examination-in-chief by defence counsel Wong Kian Kheong, Abdul Kadir admitted that he remembered nothing of the case (the PKFZ project).
“I told the police very honestly that I do not remember this case at all,” he said.
He also said he could not remember a cabinet note dated Oct 23, 2002, or when it was presented to the cabinet.
“When this was presented, I don’t remember. It was so technical and it had nothing to do with my ministry, so I didn’t pay attention,” he said.
Abdul Kadir said he had known Ling for almost 30 years and found him to be a humble man who performed his duties with integrity.
“He was a leader for the Chinese community but I was close to him because he was a true Malaysian,” he added.
Abdul Kadir also said he never knew of any wrongdoing by Ling throughout the time he (Ling) was minister.
Ling, 69, is charged under Section 417 and 418 of the Penal Code for deceiving the cabinet by withholding details of the terms and conditions agreed between KDSB and the Port Klang Authority.
Ling is charged with deliberately concealing the actual price of the land, which was valued at RM21 psf by JPPH, and for failing to reveal an interest of 7.5% per year over and above the price of the land at RM25 psf.
The hearing continues.
