YB. R.S.N RAYER - A.D.U.N. SERI DELIMA, PENANG

KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) closed its file on Datuk V.K. Lingam in 1998 because the case involved senior government officials, the Royal Commission of Inquiry heard.

G. Jayanti, a former secretary of the lawyer, made this startling revelation yesterday on Day 15 of the inquiry.

Testifying as the 19th witness, the 45-year-old self-employed estate agent said she had given her statement to the ACA three times in April 1998.

Her statements were regarding Lingam's dealings with judges.

“Three months later, the ACA called and told me that the file had to be closed because it involved many high-ranking people in the Government. I was given a RM3,000 'award' after that,” she said, to gasps from the courtroom.

Commissioner Tan Sri Steve Shim immediately asked: “Award or reward?”

Jayanti: It was in cash. I just took the voucher.

Chairman Tan Sri Haidar Mohd Noor: You took it?

Jayanti: Yes.

(At the end of the proceedings, Jayanthi's counsel R.S.N Rayer asked her again whether the RM3,000 was a reward or if it was meant for her to keep quiet. She replied that nothing was mentioned about it.)

Rayer: Do you remember which officer it was who contacted you?

Jayanti: A Mr Wong. It was a Chinese man.

Rayer: Was it a Wong Chee Kiong?

Jayanti: Yes, I think so.

The witness also confirmed that she had withdrawn money for Lingam in a lump sum before. However, she said she did not know to whom it was handed to.

Jayanti said W. Satchithanandhan, who had complained to her about Lingam not recommending him to the Chief Justice for a judicial commissioner appointment, had indicated to her that he had knowledge of her statement to the ACA.

“He asked me why I gave his name to the ACA. He managed to see my statement,” she said, adding that he also indicated that Lingam had access to her statement.