Guan Eng-Rahman Dahlan debate should be cancelled amid MACC probe, oversight panel says

(MMO) – Umno minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan and Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng should cancel their debate on the Taman Manggis land controversy as the matter is being investigated by authorities, the Special Committee on Corruption (SCC) said.

SCC, which independently monitors the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said that this would prevent any form of interruption in the ongoing investigation by the anti-graft commission.

“I recommend that such event be avoided. SCC is of the view that since investigation is ongoing, it is wise for the debate to be cancelled,” SCC chairman Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang said in a statement.

“SCC worries that if the debate continues, it will affect the current investigation by the MACC,” he added.

Abu Zahar also urged those involved in the investigation to give their full cooperation.

CM Lim has given Abdul Rahman an April 16 deadline to debate the Taman Manggis land controversy.

On Thursday, Lim accepted Abdul Rahman’s challenge for a debate over the issues surrounding the land in Taman Manggis, George Town, that the minister alleged involved corruption.

Abdul Rahman has maintained he has in possession documents to support his claims, including two documents showing Kuala Lumpur International Dental Centre (KLIDC) re-selling the land to a third party for about RM70.6 million.

But Lim has insisted that the land belongs to the KLIDC as the shares are still listed under the agency’s name.