TAWAU: Former AuMas Resources Berhad CEO, Chong Tzu Khen, today rejected claims in official company announcements that the company had acknowledged operating beyond permitted boundaries, during the ongoing civil trial involving AuMas, its subsidiary Wullersdorf Resources Sdn Bhd (WRSB), and Southsea Gold Sdn Bhd, alongside Datuk Lo Fui Ming, Lo Teck Yong, and Chong Khing Chung.

In cross-examination before Judicial Commissioner Steve Ritikos at the High Court of Tawau, lawyer Andy Tay cited Bahvest’s announcements on 8 and 9 May 2023, which suggested that the company had recognized its operations exceeded permitted limits. Chong disagreed, asserting that the announcements did not constitute any such acknowledgment.

The session also touched on four Letters of Demand issued by Southsea Gold. Chong testified that he first came across the letters only when called as a witness by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in July 2023 and maintained that there was no official finding declaring the letters false. He emphasized that any belief about backdating of the letters was his personal view rather than established fact.

The questioning highlighted the trial’s central dispute over whether the letters represented legitimate claims or were allegedly retaliatory actions against former management. Tay further noted that the company had never accused Datuk Lo Fui Ming of forgery in the announcements and that Chong, as a board member, had not requested any corrections or withdrawals.

The trial will continue tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

Plaintiffs are represented by Norbert Yapp & Associates with Azimi Yahya, while defendants are represented by Andy Tay & Associates, along with Lawrence Chai and Peter Soong & Partners.