The corruption trial of former chief minister Lim Guan Eng and businesswoman Phang Li Koon, slated to begin today, was postponed as the accused are seeking new representation with the new attorney-general.

Lim's lawyer Ramkarpal Singh requested for a postponement as both Lim and his lead counsel Gobind Singh Deo are in Putrajaya, to be sworn in today as finance minister and multimedia and communications minister, respectively.

"There is also an anomaly now as the current attoney-general's term ends in July. We prefer the new AG to make a representation of the case," Ramkarpal said in open court before High Court judge Hadhariah Syed Ismail in George Town today.

In light of Pakatan Harapan taking over the new government, the new AG is expected to be appointed by July.

Phang's lawyer V Sithambaran also made the same request for his client.

Sithambaran said after the trial proceeded, they had obtained documentary evidence which had been served on the prosecution and AG chambers.

"We had put in a representation on the fresh evidence.

"It is documentary pertaining to the charge, only after the documents were served on us, we got our experts to give their views.

"My client is only charged with aiding and abetting and if there is no charge against the principal accused then she cannot be aiding and abetting, so the charge has to collapse."

DPP yet to receive fresh evidence

Deputy Public Prosecutor Masri Che Daud said his team has yet to receive the fresh evidence mentioned by Phang's lawyer.

As for the defence team seeking new representation and withdrawal of charges from the AG for both Lim and Phang, Masri declined to comment.

Sithambaran then reminded the court that the new government has made a statement saying all politically motivated charges would be reviewed.

"So we ask for an adjournment of the case as it is only fair for the new AG to preside over the case," he added.

Meanwhile, Masri (photo) told reporters outside the court later: "They want to refer the matter to the new AG. Definitely, I have no say about it. I, myself, do not know when the new AG is coming. So I reserve my comment."

"If they want to make a new representation, we cannot stop them," he added.

He noted that Lim and his lead counsel Gobind were being sworn in as cabinet ministers today.

"So how can we demand to pursue the case? At the end of the day we have to leave it to court to decide," Masri added.

Asked if his team was pressured in any way to dispose of the case, Masri replied: "I did not say anything about withdrawing the case.

"They will seek for a new representation and the new AG will review the case. I do not know when and I do not know the content of the representation also."

The new AG to replace Mohamed Apandi Ali - who was asked to go on a month's leave after Pakatan Harapan formed the new government - is expected to be appointed in July.

Justice Hadhariah fixed July 30 for case management.

"This is a criminal case where accused are to be in court. However, today one is being sworn in as a minister.

"Many changes are happening. The defence has called for a new representation to be made before the new AG. The court cannot stop this, and I have no choice but to postpone the case," Justice Hadhariah added.

The trial, which began in March and was held for two days, was postponed to today because of the 14th general election.

On June 30, 2016, Lim claimed trial on charges linked to the conversion of state land from agriculture to residential and the purchase of a plot of land and bungalow (photo) at below the market value.

If convicted, Lim faces imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the sum or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

He faces a second charge of using his position to obtain for himself a plot of land and a bungalow, located at No 25, Jalan Pinhorn, George Town, on July 28, 2015, from Phang for RM2.8 million, which was alleged to be below the market value of RM4.27 million.

If convicted, Lim faces a jail term for up to two years, or a fine, or both

Phang also claimed trial to the charge of abetting Lim in obtaining the bungalow at an undervalued cost.

If convicted, she faces a jail term of up to two years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.