Guan Eng can stay as chief minister, Penang exco rules
(MMO) – The Penang state executive council today unanimously decided Lim Guan Eng may remain as chief minister pending the outcome of his corruption trial, announced Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon.
The first deputy chief minister said the state executive councillors saw no need for the DAP secretary-general to take a leave of absence until his two corruption charges are resolved.
“We unanimously decided that this is political persecution against him and we believe he is innocent of the charges levelled against him,” Rashid told a press conference after the state exco meeting at Lim’s office this morning.
Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy said the state exco gave its full trust to Lim in leading the state administration despite the corruption charges against him.
He also said the charges were politically motivated.
“We believe he is innocent so there was no need for Lim to step down or to take leave from his position,” he said.
The state exco’s decision echoed the decisions made by both the Penang DAP and DAP central executive committee to allow Lim to continue in the post while his trial is ongoing.
Pakatan Harapan leaders have all voiced support for Lim, similarly claiming the charges were politically motivated to end his political career.
