GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has warned that the state government is prepared to freeze any land deal involving 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and other parties in Penang.

He said the state was ready to freeze any such deal in light of the scandal surrounding 1MDB.

Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, said the state legal adviser and state secretariat would first look into the relevant legal provisions.

“The state government has powers on transfer of land as it first has to go through the state government through the land office.

“In matters of national interest and importance, the state government can intervene and in relation to the 1MDB scandal and crisis, I think these are grounds for action by the state government.

“I only wish to remind any parties who are willing to transact any business with 1MDB, be forewarned. In the event that we take any action, don’t rely on the excuse that you have not been told, plead ignorance and say you do not know,” Lim told a press conference at his office here yesterday.

He said 1MDB had bought 94.7ha of land in Air Itam before the general election in 2013.

Lim also said he would support PKR’s decision to file a civil suit to nullify seats held by Barisan Nasional and call for fresh elections to be held nationwide.

On another matter, Lim lambasted PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang for asking the Wall Street Journal to produce four witnesses to prove the allegations against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said it was shocking and illogical for Abdul Hadi and PAS spiritual leader Datuk Dr Haron Din to defend Najib.

“It is like slapping their own mouths. They said they are against 1MDB but now they are backing Najib. Just like how PAS said they want to severe ties with us but still remain in Pakatan Rakyat. Please make sure what your stand is,” Lim said.