This Monday may be a public holiday to mark the state's respect for the passing of former Penang Chief Minister Dr Lim Chong Eu, whose funeral is to be held this Sunday.

Deputy Chief Minister I, Mansor Othman, said that this will decided at the state exco meeting tomorrow and an announcement will be issued.

NONE At about 3pm today, Mansor ( left ) led a delegation of PKR assemblypersons to pay their last respects to the second chief minister at his residence in Tanjong Bungah.

He was accompanied by Abdul Malik Abu Kassim (Batu Maung), Tan Hock Leong (Machang Bubok), Jason Ong Khan Lee (Kebun Bunga), Sim Tze Tsin (Pantai Jerejak), V Raveendran (Batu Uban), Ong Chin Wen (Bukit Tengah), and Law Choo Kiang (Bukit Tambun).

DAP assemblypersons are expected to pay their respects at about 6pm today. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is expected to arrive at the Penang International Airport after 8pm today.

Meanwhile, Parti Cinta Malaysia, a splinter party of Gerakan, has suggested that the state government make Nov 24 or Nov 28 a state public holiday to commemorate the countless contributions of Lim.

PCM political secretary Dr Melvin Chin said he hoped the state government will consider such a proposal as Chong Eu is a leader who truly "walked the talk".

"We hope the current state government and all Penangites will remember his sacrifices for Penang's socioeconomic development in his tenure as chief minister," he said.

"In short, Penang is what it is today, thanks to the commitment and dedication of our beloved Chong Eu; may his soul rest in peace."

Penang Gerakan said in a statement today that Chong Eu's idea for a nation free from racial political ideology was so clear that it holds true until today.

"Lim's efforts in promoting interracial unity and harmony among Malaysians of all races are great achievements that should be remembered by all," the party added.