Guan Eng says will remain as CM pending DAP meeting

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Standing in solidarity after leaving the High Court this afternoon. – Photo taken from the Democratic Action Party Facebook page

GEORGE TOWN: Lim Guan Eng, who faces two corruption charges, is to continue serving as the Penang chief minister for the time being and the DAP-led state government administration is to function as usual.

Lim said a party meeting to be held soon would decide on the need to appoint an acting chief minister pending the mention of his case on Sept 22.

“For the time being, the state administration would run as usual … the party will meet,” he told a press conference after claiming trial to the charges at the High Court here today.

Lim had pleaded not guilty to two corruption charges over the conversion of an agricultural zone to a housing zone as well as the purchase of a plot of land and bungalow at below market price.

Lim, who is DAP secretary-general, said the charges were tantamount to persecution and an attempt by certain quarters to destroy his political career.

“I will fight till the end. It is purely an attack against me for political purposes. With these charges, the Barisan Nasional will not be able to disrupt solidarity in my party or Pakatan Harapan. We will stand united and fight.

“If the BN feels they can break me by arresting me, they are wrong. They cannot destroy my spirit. I would rather die standing than live on my knees,” he said.

Meanwhile, Penang state secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, when contacted, said the state government would meet soon to discuss the developments.

“I cannot make any comment yet. I have to brief all the state executive councillors first at a meeting before I can issue a media statement,” he said.

He also declined comment on whether Lim had to go on leave as the chief minister pending the completion of the trial.

Lim was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission at the 28th floor of the Komtar building at 5.45pm yesterday while Phang Li Khoon was picked up at 4.15pm at her office at the 6th floor of Penang Garden.

The former owner of his bungalow, Phang , also pleaded not guilty to abetting Lim to acquire for Lim the land and bungalow. -BERNAMA