The fuel price increase in Malaysia despite its reduction in other parts of the world shows that the people suffer when Pakatan Rakyat is weak, says Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

"When BN wins, these are the policies that are going to be made," he said. "Here, we should remind ourselves that if we are weakened, these are the consequences."

Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, said this following the 20 sen per litre hike in the prices of diesel and RON 95 petrol last night.

Lim expressed surprise at the hikes, and called on the federal government to explain its stand.

He then compared the fuel price rise in Malaysia with the reduction in fuel prices in United Kingdom (by 26 pence a litre) and India (54 paise).

"We understand the government's intention to reduce subsidies, but it is better to fight corruption first," he told a press conference.

"We can reduce deficit and debts by fighting corruption."

Lim then referred to a recent survey by multinational research firm Ernst & Young that showed Malaysia to be one of the "most corrupt nations".

The survey listed Malaysia as one of the countries most likely to take shortcuts to meet targets when economic times are tough.

The survey was based on interviews with 681 executives in China, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and South Korea.

Lim said the study clearly showed that the government has failed to fight corruption.

Quit for failing in your duties, Paul Low told

He called on Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Paul Low to resign as he has failed in his duties, since he was appointed to fight corruption.

"He was supposed to fight corruption but he failed miserably.

"Instead, Low supported the sedition law. He did not only make a U-turn but this is a form of betrayal," Lim said of the former Transparency International-Malaysia president.

Lim was also asked about the future of Pakatan, following events such as the Selangor menteri besar crisis and the recent PAS muktamar in Johor where the party's Penang delegate Iszuree Ibrahim was deemed to have "lied" about the state government.

Iszuree, who is Penang PAS secretary, has been barred from attending the three sub-committees in the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) and his budget allocation in the council has been frozen.

Lim today met with PAS Penang deputy commissioner Mujahid Yusof Rawa, former state party head Salleh Man and state PAS secretary Fadzil Kemi to discuss Iszuree's case.

However, Lim declined to announce any decision on Iszuree ( seated on the left ), saying he would leave it to PAS to discuss the matter.

On the unity of Pakatan in the future, Lim said he was certain that PAS, PKR and DAP leaders know where each party stands in the coalition and urge their supporters to unite.

"Those who are interested in fighting BN and Umno should unite," he said.

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