‘Guan Eng should go on leave until trial ends’
GEORGE TOWN: Hours after the High Court fixed 23 days for the trial of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, there have been renewed calls for him to take leave from his government post.
People’s Alternative Party (PAP) vice-president Rahmad Isahak said Lim should go on leave until the end of his trial for the sake of public interest.
“Now is the best time for him to defend his pride and integrity, and to ward off any negative perception against his administration.
“Besides, it will also serve as a good example to the people of Penang, that he is will- ing to temporarily give up his post to clear his name,” he told the New Straits Times.
Rahmad said it was illogical for a chief minister, who faces two counts of corruption and going for full trial, to remain adamant to hold on to power.
“More so, in Lim’s case, the majority of witnesses are civil servants themselves.
“As such, there is no guarantee that these individuals are free from any influence or stress prior to taking the stand,” he added.
Rahmad said Lim’s corruption cases had nothing to do with political propaganda but something the chief minister had brought upon himself.
“So, it is only right for him to take leave if he refuses to relinquish his post due to his ego. That is the best alternative,” he stressed.
He added that Lim could hand over his post to either Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon or senior state executive council member Chow Kon Yeow.
“By doing so, the people will continue to have full trust and faith in the administration,” he said.
The High Court today fixed 23 days beginning March 26 to hear the two corruption charges against Lim.