The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) launched its northern regional unit in Penang today, amid accusations that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng purchased a bungalow on Jalan Pinhorn below market price.

However, C4 founding director Cynthia Gabriel said the launch of the Penang unit has nothing to do with the bungalow issue although the organisation would be looking into such issues.

The unit will cover issues related to corruption and good governance in Penang, Kedah, Perlis and Kelantan.

"We are here to send a clear message to the people in power, to politicians, and businesses, not to mess up with public funds," she said in George Town today.

"If you do, we will come for you; citizens and the civil society have a role to play to ensure that no one messes with public funds," she added.

"We will not be afraid to ask or demand answers," she said.

Cynthia said there are some friends who, when they become politicians, may act differently but there are others who strive to fight corruption and uphold principles of good governance.

"It is nothing personal," she said.

She said despite the "shrinking space and mounting repressive laws" political dissidents, activists and the media faced, the people must press on with the struggle.

The highlight of the event included the launch of C4's extensive report on Kelantan related to the massive floods in 2014, and its link to corruption and illegal logging.

Among those present are C4 chairperson Simon Sipaun and director Richard Yeoh, environmentalist and legal expert Gurdian Singh Nijjhar and orang asli activists from Gua Musang, Kelantan and Grik, Perak.

The 100-odd crowd was entertained by political cartoonist Zunar and singer Francesca Peter who sang three songs on the environment.

Also present were Penang Deputy Chief Minister (II) P Ramasamy, well-known social activist Anwar Fazal, renowned poet Cecil Rajendra and members of Penang Forum and Aliran.