PETALING JAYA: The Selangor palace today suspended state titles awarded to former MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik and Port Klang Authority (PKA) general manager OC Phang pending the outcome of the investigation into the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal.
In a statement issued by the state secretary today, the decision was made after consultations with the state royal council on Aug 19, and considering that they have been charged with “serious offences that involve the interests of the people and country”.
However, added the statement, the suspension of the awards, which carries the title “datuk” and “datin paduka” respectively will be lifted if both are found not guilty and acquitted of the charge.
Jail term
Ling, the former transport minister, was charged under Section 418 for allegedly “misleading the Cabinet between Sept 25 and Nov 6, 2002 into agreeing to purchase 999.5 acres of land on Pulau Indah for a project that is now known as PKFZ, at a price of RM25 psf on a deferred payment for a 15-year period, at an interest rate of 7.5%.
The cumulative interest paid would total RM720 million at the end of the repayment period.
Ling had pleaded not guilty to two charges under Sections 417 and 418 of the Penal Code for cheating. If found guilty, Ling could face a jail term.
Meanwhile, Phang and three others were charged late last year with criminal breach of trust by making false claims. She pleaded not guilty.
Ling was conferred the “Datuk Paduka Mahkota” in 1992 while Phang was accorded the “Datin Paduka” title in 2001.
