It's not only a waste of money but inappropriate to call for snap polls in Penang to gauge the people's response to the two corruption charges against Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, says Penang Umno.

The party's state liaison committee chief, Zainal Abidin Osman, said it was not right to seek a referendum on Lim, who has refused to go on leave or resign over the corruption charges.

He added that snap polls were usually carried out by leaders who are facing an internal crisis and who are insecure or uncertain about their leadership.

“Has Lim lost the confidence of the majority of assemblypersons in Penang Pakatan Harapan and feels the need to dissolve the state legislative assembly?" asked Zainal, who is also Penang federal action committee chief.

"The people need to be reminded that it is Lim who is facing charges in court over corruption and not the Penang government," he said in a statement.

"It is Lim who will be tried in court, not the Penang government," he said.

Zainal questioned why Lim and the Penang government need to drag the people into Lim's corruption case as ample opportunities would be provided by the court for Lim to prove that he is innocent.

He asked if plans for snap polls were a political ploy by DAP and Pakatan Harapan to hide the truth from the people over possible wrongdoing by Lim when his case is tried in court in September.

"Do Lim and Pakatan Harapan fear the truth which will be revealed in court when the trial begins as this may affect the people’s support for Lim, DAP and Harapan?" Zainal asked.

"Whether he is guilty or not, Lim’s case will be decided by the court.

"Snap polls or a referendum on Lim is not the way to decide if Lim is guilty or innocent of the corruption charges," he added.

Zainal said that DAP should now think of appointing a replacement for the chief minister's post and instruct Lim to go on leave until the case is over.

He added that the DAP should make this move if the party was truly serious in defending integrity and transparency in the state government.

"If the Penang government is concerned or worried about the level of support for Lim and his administration following his corruption charges, the state government can direct Penang Institute to conduct a survey among Penangites," Zainal said.