The lack of physical distancing was evident among those present at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex, sparking concern over a possible new Covid-19 cluster.
While the scenes this morning were rather mellow compared to the mass gathering on July 28 when Datuk Seri Najib Razak was convicted, it still went against the government’s standard operating procedure of maintaining a 1m distance.
This despite repeated warnings by the Health Ministry to observe the standard operating procedures, including maintaining a safe distance, wearing face masks, and washing or sanitising hands regularly.
Twenty-five new Covid-19 cases were recorded today, the highest in the past nine days while 24 clusters remain active to date.
Several high-profile individuals, including Lim’s father Kit Siang, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, RSN Rayer, former Deputy Defence Minister Liew Chin Tong and former Transport Minister Anthony Loke, joined supporters at the complex. Lim was represented by Gobind Singh Deo who is also Puchong MP.
Following this morning’s scene, Penang police have warned Lim’s supporters not to gather when the Bagan MP is brought to the Sessions Court in Butterworth to face more charges next week.
Seberang Perai (North) OCPD Asst Comm Noorzainy Mohd Noor was quoted by Bernama as saying only those who had court dealings will be allowed in while others will be barred even from the court premises.
“No gatherings will be allowed outside the court,” he said, adding those who defy the order will be compounded.”
Right after posting half of the RM1 million bail, Lim said the charge levelled against him was a “baseless allegation” and “politically motivated” to tarnish his reputation.
Lim, who was Penang Chief Minister from 2008 to 2018, claimed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said there was no gratification in the project.
“We fight corruption seriously and we would not practise corruption. I also want to stress that I have never received any gratification,” Lim said during a press conference.
“I will fight to prove my innocence in court and I believe that the truth will show that I have not received any gratification and there is no corruption.”
