Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng should strive to give all Penangites housing discounts, as property on the island state is too expensive, said Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong.

Mah then took a swipe at Lim's bungalow scandal, and said that Lim shouldn't keep the discounts to himself.

"Yes, Lim got a discount, but if he is truly for the people, he would not take a discount for himself, he should find a way for everyone to get a discount," he said to a loud ovation from the crowd.

Mah was speaking at this year's Gerakan annual general assembly in Kuala Lumpur today.

Lim is accused of having abused his position to purchase his bungalow at allegedly below market price.

He has been charged in court for corruption over this, but maintains his innocence.

MACC to screen candidates

Meanwhile, at a press conference later, Mah said Gerakan candidates for the next general elections must be screened by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission first.

"The MACC might know things that we don't. If the MACC gives them clearance, we will submit their names to the prime minister."

When asked if the rest of BN should follow Gerakan's example, Mah was dismissive, saying it would be up to them.

Earlier the Gerakan president announced five candidates for Selangor, including Selangor party chief David Ang Chin Tat for the Puchong parliamentary seat.

The other four will contest for state seats, namely Gerakan vice president A Kohilan Pillay for Alam Shah; deputy speaker Syed Abdul Razak Syed Long for Bukit Lanjan; Youth organising secretary Ben Liew Pok Boon for Teratai; and Youth legal bureau chief Chai Ko Thing for Bukit Gasing.

Mah said the five are still being reviewed by the MACC.
Their candidacies were announced early, he said, to allow voters to get to know them even before the election campaigning officially begins.

It has been speculated that the elections may be held as early as March next year.