Lim Guan Eng’s corruption trial begins

(The Star) – The case management of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s corruption trial at the High Court starts at 9am Friday.

This first mention of the case after he was charged in end-June has drawn the interest of both his detractors and supporters.

At 8.45am, a crowd has gathered outside the courthouse, holding banners and shouting slogans both for and against Lim.

Policemen had to step outside the courthouse to calm the crowd.

Businesswoman Phang Li Koon who is also charged with abetting Lim, arrived at 8.30am.

Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, arrived at the courthouse at 9.14am accompanied by his wife Betty Chew.

Lim is charged with obtaining gratification for himself and his wife by approving two land conversion applications and subsequently buying his Pinhorn Road bungalow at a below market price.