What is the significance of the RM2 million bribe in the trial?

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New Evidence on RM2 Million Bribe Admitted in Undersea Tunnel Trial

The Sessions Court has allowed Lim Guan Eng's application to introduce new evidence concerning message exchanges between two key prosecution witnesses, Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli and G. Gnanaraja, into the ongoing Penang undersea tunnel project trial. This new evidence specifically relates to a purported RM2 million bribe payment. The defense had argued that a truncated version of WhatsApp messages between Zarul Ahmad and Gnanaraja was provided in the current trial, whereas a full transcript was presented in a separate trial in Shah Alam.
Court Recognises Discrepancy in Witness Testimonies

Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi agreed with the defense's assertion that there were differing testimonies from the witnesses in two separate courts regarding the RM2 million bribe. The judge found the requested evidence relevant to the accused's defense, stating that the overall facts needed to be presented in full for the truth to emerge. This decision acknowledges the potential significance of the message exchanges in clarifying the events surrounding the alleged bribe.
RM2 Million Linked to Deception Over MACC Investigation

In the Shah Alam case, Gnanaraja was charged with allegedly deceiving Zarul Ahmad of RM19 million, of which the RM2 million forms a part. Gnanaraja purportedly convinced Zarul Ahmad that he could assist in closing a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation linked to the same undersea project. Gnanaraja subsequently pleaded guilty to an alternative charge under the Companies Act and was fined RM230,000 in that separate proceeding.
Evidence to be Provided to Defence

The prosecution confirmed that the requested documents, including the full transcript of the WhatsApp messages, would be handed over to the defense within two weeks, to which the defense did not object. The court has fixed May 10 for mention. Lim Guan Eng is facing charges related to soliciting bribes as an inducement to assist Consortium Zenith BUCG Sdn Bhd in securing the RM6.34 billion project, as well as charges concerning the disposal of Penang government land for companies linked to the project.

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What is the significance of the RM2 million bribe in the trial?

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