The Penang state government is ready to be investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over allegations by Gerakan that its cash aid for senior citizens programme was a form of bribery.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he the state exco members were ready to be investigated by MACC and willing to offer their assistance during the investigations.

"If want to investigate, we are ready but the scheme will go on as promised because we do not have any racial discrimination or political motive," Lim told reporters in response to a statement by Penang Gerakan Youth chief Oh Tong Keong yesterday that the aid was a form of bribe to win the next general election.

Lim said the aid scheme was discussed and given to all eligible senior citizens.

"We are not going to bow to such threats by Gerakan who are actually out to sabotage such a programme," he said.

All senior citizens who had registered before March 8, would receive financial aid starting next month and those who have yet to register, they must do so quickly, he said.

- Bernama