The DAP central executive committee has unanimously decided that Lim Guan Eng need not go on leave with regard to his post as Penang chief minister in view of the corruption charges against him.

"The CEC also gives unqualified backing to Lim to continue leading the party as secretary-general," acting national chairperson Tan Kok Wai told a press conference at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.

Lim, who was charged in the High Court in Penang yesterday, had said that he would let the party decide whether he should step down from his post.

Tan (photo) said Guan Eng need not take leave from his post as Penang chief minister because there is no question of conflict of interest as Guan Eng has no influence or control over the prosecution.

He said the CEC also believed the charges to be completely baseless and nothing more than an attempt to topple the democratically elected chief minister of Penang as well as to destabilise DAP.

"The CEC expressess its full and unflinching support and solidarity with Guan Eng as he faces another round of politically motivated charges against him.

"The two charges of corruption against Guan Eng, under Section 23 of the MACC Act and Section 165 of the Penal Code, are unfounded, malicious and smack of political persecution," Tan said.

National support committee being set up

He also said that a national committee would be formed for a "Support, Sympathy and Solidarity with Lim Guan Eng" campaign, chaired by Anthony Loke with Zairil Khir Johari as secretary and Teo Nie Ching as treasurer, and with all state chairpersons and secretaries as members.

Loke said the national committee would run its campaign in the various states to show support for Guan Eng and to explain to the people that the charges were politically motivated.

"We also want the people to refocus back on the real corruption issues involving money.

"I think this prosecution against Guan Eng will not bring fragility upon the opposition, but it will unite the opposition, for we have seen various statements from Pakatan Harapan leaders in solidarity with Guan Eng," Loke added.

Asked whether street rallies would be held, Guan Eng said DAP would just explain the matter to the people through its campaign.

"We are not going to hold any street demonstration but I think you should not underestimate spontaneous reaction from the public.”

The Penang state government would hold a briefing session for the public at the Dewan Sri Penang at 10am this Sunday, he added.