DAP members and relatives rally behind Lim

GEORGE TOWN: DAP members and the family of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng have rallied behind him as he faces two charges – one over the purchase of a RM2.8mil bungalow in Jalan Pinhorn and another on an alleged land conversion in Balik Pulau.

Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the party was shocked by the fact that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would be charging Lim at the Sessions Court here.

“The alleged charge concerned Lim, in his capacity as the State Planning Committee chairman, approving an application from a company to convert the land from agriculture use to residential use.

“That is the issue. Maybe after having the proper charges read out, you can analyse how the two cases are related,” Chow told a press conference outside the MACC building in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah last night.

He said so far, there was no charge involving the sale of a piece of land in Taman Manggis, which has been the subject of much controversy.

“We in Penang DAP see this as a politically motivated accusation to end Lim’s political career. We urge our members and supporters to remain calm,” he said.

“We call on members to be patient and wait for further instructions. The state DAP will have an emergency meeting tomorrow (today) to tackle the political crisis.”

Lim’s brother Dr Lim Guan Choon and sister Lim Hui Ying were seen outside the gate of the MACC building looking troubled.

Both were constantly comforted by DAP supporters and politicians.

PKR vice-president Tian Chua, who was also there, said the charges were politically motivated.

Others present were Lim’s political assistant Wong Hon Wai, Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy, state exco members Jagdeep Singh Deo, Phee Boon Poh and other assemblymen and MPs.

A candlelight vigil planned by DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) for 8.30pm outside the MACC building was later called off.