©Malaysiakini
(Used by permission)
by Soon Li Tsin
Loh Mui Fah, the businessman who said his son had recorded the controversial
Lingam tape, began his testimony this morning before the royal commission which
is probing allegations of judicial fixing.
Loh, 58, told Malaysiakini on Saturday that he and his son Jwo Burne, 33, were
at lawyer VK Lingam’s house in late 2001 for dinner on the day the footage was
recorded.
He said that his son, a keen photographer, had recorded the telephone
conversation between Lingam and then chief judge of Malaya Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh
Abdul Halim.
This was done without Lingam's knowledge using a high–end digital camera which
can take video, Loh claimed.
He confirmed that it was Gwo Burne who took the video and that he himself was
the man seen in the grainy 14–minute clip.
Loh said the conversation took place on Dec 20, 2001, when he visited the
lawyer's residence to discuss a legal matter with Lingam, who was acting for
him.
"Quite a few phone calls came in. We were in close proximity with each other
because he was very near to me. I could hear everything," he told the royal
commission.
"Of course, it was my son Gwo Burne who recorded the clip. But at that time, I
didn't know (he was recording it)," said Loh.
He has said that his son is now working in Shanghai but is prepared to travel to
Malaysia to give evidence.
Lingam appears in court
A number of photos, taken by Gwo Burne that night, were tabled in court. This
included one showing a clean–shaven Loh (right, middle) having a conversation
with Lingam and his sister.
Lingam, the man at the centre of the tape, who was brought into the courtroom
today, was identified by Loh as the person he had dinner with.
He was in court for only two minutes and left after Loh had identified him.
Earlier today, lawyer Wee Choo Keong, who is representing Lingam’s younger
brother V Thirunama Karasu, applied to the commission for his client to testify
as a witness.
Thirunama is not among the 17 witnesses to be called by the five–member
commission, which is headed by former chief judge of Malaya Haidar Mohd Noor.
The commission’s public hearing, which began yesterday, will continue until Jan
25.
Businessman appears before royal panel
15 Jan 2008 12:00 am