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POLICE have dismissed speculation that the assault on businessman G Gnanaraja — a key witness in the corruption trial involving former Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng — was an attempt at witness intimidation, insisting it was a straightforward robbery.
“It is a clear-cut robbery. No witness tampering involved,” said Petaling Jaya district police chief ACP Shahrulnizam Ja’afar, as quoted by New Straits Times. “The robbers fled with valuables into a secondary jungle nearby.”
The incident, which occurred early Wednesday morning, saw a group of ten men force their way into Gnanaraja’s home near Petaling Jaya.
He sustained injuries to his face and wrists, while two of his security guards were reportedly tied up. The assailants allegedly told the victim to “stay at home and not become a hero.”
Shahrulnizam confirmed police received a report on the incident at 7:10 am and that investigations remain ongoing.
The Ede cited that Gnanaraja, 44, is the 37th prosecution witness in the trial of Lim Guan Eng. He recently testified that Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli, former director of Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZCSB), had asked him in 2017 to act as a conduit for bribes allegedly intended for Lim.
At the time, Gnanaraja was the director of a transportation company, Bumi Muhibah Capital Holding Sdn Bhd.
Lim, who now serves as DAP adviser, faces multiple charges linked to the RM6.3 billion Penang Undersea Tunnel project, including soliciting a 10 per cent profit share, receiving RM3.3 million in bribes, and involvement in the disposal of two state land parcels. The trial is set to resume on 19 August.
The lead prosecutor, Datuk Wan Shahruddin Wan Ladin, confirmed the attack will be raised in court.
However, the incident has sparked strong reactions, particularly from MCA Youth, whose information chief Neow Choo Seong called for the assailants to be tracked down and held accountable.
He drew comparisons to the case of Teoh Beng Hock, a political aide who died in custody in 2009, warning that failure to act decisively could further erode public trust.
“This is a serious issue and cannot be taken lightly, as it involves human life and public confidence in the legal process,” Neow said in a Facebook post. “Is there something suspicious in this case?”
Neow also referenced the October 2021 death of another witness in the same case, who was found dead after reportedly falling from a condominium in Pulau Tikus.
“Was it an accident or just a coincidence?” he asked.
He added: “Malaysia is a country governed by law, and no one who breaks it should be allowed to escape justice.”
Calling for bipartisan support, Neow urged the public to have confidence in national security forces. “I believe our security personnel will hunt the perpetrators down to the ends of the earth and bring them to justice.” - August 6, 2025