Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has hit out at Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) for its “new attitude” in attacking him and DAP.

Lim said he understood if baseless criticisms were directed to him by BN or Umno, as it was their job to “twist and spin” lies against the opposition.

“But now we are also attacked by PSM, who question our stand on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

“We have made our stand that we do not support the TPPA, we also have parliamentarians who opposed the deal in Parliament,” Lim said at a press conference today.

“Why is it that PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan said we did not oppose the TPPA?” he queried.

Lim noted that he was aware PSM has a working relationship with PAS and vocal Malay rights group, Perkasa.

“PAS and Perkasa have been attacking DAP, but does that mean PSM needs to follow in their footsteps?” asked the DAP secretary-general.

“I wonder what is their hidden motive for doing this. I know Arul and PSM but if this is their new attitude, I have nothing more to say,” Lim quipped.

He was responding to Arutchelvan who questioned whether the new Pakatan Harapan - DAP, PKR and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) - would attend an anti-TPPA rally in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 23.

Arutchelvan said that until today, the new opposition pact has not shown that they opposed the TPPA.

“They have not shown how far they have mobilised their members to oppose the TPPA, this is really sad,” Arutchelvan was quoted as saying.

There was also not enough enthusiasm to fight the TPPA or the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) in April last year, Arutchelvan pointed out.

Arutchelvan also questioned if Pakatan Harapan was not interested in the anti-TPPA rally because of PAS’ involvement in the event.