The Penang state executive council unanimously decided today that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng need not resign or take leave after being charged with two counts of corruption last Thursday.

The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister I Mohd Rashid Hasnon this morning.

“I myself proposed this and it was supported by Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy.

“We have full confidence in the chief minister's leadership to continue leading the state exco and Penang state government,” Rashid told the media today.

Ramasamy added that the charges against Guan Eng are politically motivated.

“We believe he (Guan Eng) is not guilty and there is no need for him to step down,” he said.

The decision by the exco comes after the Penang DAP and party’s central executive committee decided that Lim need not go on leave.

Lim claimed trial to abusing his power to benefit himself and wife by approving the re-zoning of a plot of land to Magnificient Emblem Sdn Bhd, and the second charge is related to him obtaining a property on 25, Jalan Pinhorn, from Phang Li Khoon at below the market value.

The first charge, under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, is punishable with imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of five times the value of the gratification.

The value of the property then was RM4.27 million. Guan Eng is accused of committing the offence on July 28, 2015.

The second charge, under Section 165 of the Penal Code for a public servant obtaining a valuable thing, carries the maximum penalty of not more than two years in jail, or a fine, or both.

Phang also claimed trial to her charge of abetment.