There is a line, when breached, turns power into a tool of oppression and injustice, according to Selangor Menteri Besar Mohd Azmin Ali.

And the PKR deputy president accused Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak of crossing this line with regard to the prosecution of Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

In view of this, Azmin urged the fragmented opposition to close ranks.

“The federal opposition must come together and remain focused on our singular struggle to rid our nation of the scourge of corruption at the highest places, unshackled power abuse and kleptocracy unlimited.

“Let us set aside all our past differences and prejudices and return to the drawing board. We need to forge a consensus, stronger than ever before, and build a solid bloc for the next general election,” he added in a media statement this evening.

As for the charges against Lim, the PKR leader said that it signalled a new low in Malaysian politics since the prosecution of Anwar Ibrahim two decades ago.

“However, coming in the wake of a protracted campaign of vilification and character assassination carried out by the administration of Najib against my comrade, Lim, this bout of selective prosecution and political persecution comes as no surprise.

“These are the concerted actions of a man desperate to hold on to power at all costs, one who would choose to drag the nation through the mother of all scandals and ignominy rather than give up the post of prime minister,” he added.

Azmin said while that it was true that Najib commanded all the organs of power, the latter however must remember that even dictators with unlimited power would eventually fall.

The menteri besar also described the charges against Lim as politically motivated, vexatious and constituted a gross abuse of executive power.

“This is apart from the fact that despite the overwhelming evidence of corruption, money laundering and power abuse against Najib, no serious and earnest investigation has been carried out against him, let alone any semblance of a criminal prosecution.

“Lest we forget, Lim is innocent until proven guilty beyond the shadow of a doubt by a court of law.

“Let me reiterate that I not only choose to give him the full benefit of the doubt but that I am convinced he is innocent of these charges.

“I am further convinced that if the proceedings are free from any kind of executive interference and the judiciary is not subject to any kind of pressure directly or indirectly, Guan Eng will be acquitted and fully vindicated,” he added.