Baling MP Abdul Azeez Rahim is suing Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for defamation over claims that he was involved in the contentious Penang tunnel project.

Azeez’s lawyer, Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, said his client is seeking an apology and general damages, as well as to restrain Lim from making further purportedly defamatory statements.

The Tabung Haji chairperson also demanded that Lim reveal the source of the allegations, The Star reported today.

In a Feb 28 press conference, Lim accused Azeez of receiving a bribe over the Penang tunnel project, according to the latter’s statement of claim.

The main contractor for the project, Consortium Zenith Sdn Bhd, had reportedly sent a letter of demand to Azeez for failing to render his “consultancy” services for the tunnel project.

It later withdrew the letter of demand and apologised, after Azeez denied having dealings with the firm and threatened legal action.

The Umno lawmaker lodged a police report on the matter on March 2, and was also absolved of any wrongdoing by MACC several days later.

Azeez’ lawyers sent two letters of demand to Lim last week, demanding that the chief minister retract his statements and publicly apologise for linking him to the project, or risk being sued.

The lawsuit was served to Lim’s office in Komtar today, and to his Penang residence yesterday.