Penang Pakatan Harapan has thrown their support fully behind embattled Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Pakatan leaders held a meeting in Komtar today and decided that Lim need not go on leave or quit his post despite being slapped with two corruption charges.
They accepted a proposal by Penang DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow to stand united in solidarity with Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general.
During a press conference held after the meeting, Lim stood up and bowed to thank his colleagues for their support, taking them by surprise.
He also thanked the public, from all walks of life, who showed their concern and support for him and his family.
“I am very touched,” Lim said.
Accompanying Lim at the event were state PKR chief Mansor Othman and Parti Amanah Negara vice-president Mujahid Yusof Rawa.
Mansor said PKR decided that Lim need not leave his post as CM as the accusations against him were “politically motivated”.
“Besides, the CM has no links, influence or power over the authorities like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and police,” Mansor said.
“We are also convinced that the accusations against him were politically motivated to destroy his political career.
“The moves against Lim were planned to undermine the relationship and unity between the Pakatan Harapan parties in Penang and Malaysia,” Mansor added.
Mujahid concurred with Mansor, saying Amanah agreed to stand with DAP and PKR on the matter.
“We urge Lim to continue with his duties as CM,” he said.
Chow expressed gratefulness to Amanah and PKR for standing by Lim in the hour of need.
He added that Pakatan will launch several programmes in solidarity with Lim and these will begin after the Hari Raya celebration.
“We fully support the CM when he clears his name during the trial which begins on Sept 22 until we achieve victory in court.”
Tomorrow, Lim will hold a briefing session at the Dewan Sri Pinang at 10am to explain the matter to the public.
PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Amanah president Mohamed Sabu are expected to be at the session.
