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PROMINENT businessman Datuk Seri G Gnanaraja has requested police protection after an armed robbery at his residence in Petaling Jaya earlier this month left him fearful for his safety and emotionally unstable.
Gnanaraja (pic), 44, made the plea while testifying as a prosecution witness in the ongoing Sessions Court trial involving former Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and the controversial undersea tunnel project.
“I am not here to accuse anyone. I am simply not in the right state of mind to testify because I feel my safety is at risk,” he told Judge Azura Alwi. “Anything could happen to me. I don’t want to wait until something does before the police provide security.”
He added, “I am willing to testify, but only once I am assured of protection. What I say in court could jeopardise my safety. I respectfully request Your Honour to help ensure full protection by the police.”
Visibly shaken and uneasy in the witness box, Gnanaraja was accompanied to court by officers from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). It was his first appearance since the 6 August robbery incident.
Judge Azura, however, clarified that such a request should be made through the prosecution, the police or the MACC, and not via the court.
“I believe the MACC has the authority to ensure the safety of its own witnesses, and it is up to the prosecution to act accordingly,” she said. “This courtroom is not the place for press statements. I sympathise, but we must remain within the framework of this proceeding. If you cannot proceed, inform the prosecution.”
Defence counsel Ramkarpal Singh questioned the relevance of the robbery incident to the trial, accusing the prosecution of attempting to introduce prejudicial evidence.
“He should be testifying on matters relevant to the charges. My learned friend is trying to introduce this through the back door. This cannot be allowed,” said Ramkarpal.
Fellow defence lawyer RSN Rayer successfully applied to have Gnanaraja’s remarks about the robbery expunged from the court record.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin urged Gnanaraja to read his witness statement, but the witness declined, citing emotional distress. “I’m sorry, Your Honour. I am not refusing to cooperate, but I need assurance of protection. This has been deeply traumatic,” he said.
Wan Shaharuddin acknowledged the witness’s state and said the prosecution would escalate the protection request to higher authorities.
“This is the first time I’ve handled a situation like this,” he added.
After a short recess, DPP Mahadi Abdul Jumaat informed the court that Gnanaraja had confirmed he was not mentally ready to continue. With only one remaining witness—the investigating officer—the prosecution requested an adjournment.
Judge Azura allowed the trial to be postponed and fixed 27 and 28 August for continuation, stating that the court would allow time for the witness to recover both physically and mentally.
Lim Guan Eng faces four charges of abusing his position as Penang Chief Minister to solicit bribes from Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd director Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli in relation to the undersea tunnel project.
He is also accused of receiving RM3.3 million in bribes and of causing the disposal of two plots of state-owned land to companies linked to the project. - August 19, 2025
