Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was slow to judge his staunch ally, Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu, who recently said that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has remained in power as “Malaysians are cowards”.

Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, said this on Tuesday night in front of the Sungai Buloh Prison, during a gathering to mark the first anniversary of former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's jailing for a sodomy conviction.

Lim said he needs to check with Mat Sabu on the background and context in which the remarks were made.

He urged those who strongly criticised the Amanah founder over the remarks to remember that Mat Sabu had always been a fighter.

“We have to be fair to Mat Sabu. He has fought much, gone to prison and charged in court for his political work,” Lim said when asked to comment on whether he agreed with Mat Sabu’s controversial remarks.

“I know some have used very strong words against him, but let me check the background (and context of his remarks).

“His sincerity and dedication to fight for the people are unquestioned and he has refused to be bought. He cannot be bought by BN,” said Lim, the DAP secretary-general.

Before ending his speech that night where he threw the microphone in anger, Mat Sabu also pointed out that Najib would remain in power because of the “inaction” of Malaysians.

He said Najib would continue to rule even though the people may perceive as “lame” those appointed by him to positions of power, and how unjust some may see his actions to be.

Meanwhile, Lim recalled that when the BN-led federal government invited the Israeli cricket team to come to Malaysia, Mat Sabu was one of those who demonstrated against the move.

He urged the public to remember Mat Sabu’s contribution throughout his political career. Mat Sabu was a one-term MP for Pokok Sena (1999 to 2004).

“That's why I would like to understand in what context Mat (Sabu) has said those things. At least, let me get a clear picture.

“If what was reported is true, perhaps Mat Sabu could have put it in a different manner and not in such harsh terms. But let me get the correct picture first,” he added.