Penang-based People's Alternative Party (PAP) wants Deputy Chief Minister I Rashid Hasnon to assume the chief minister's post to replace Lim Guan Eng, instead of supporting him to remain in the post.
"Rashid, who is a PKR man, should take over to save the dignity of Penangites who are affected by the two corruption charges against Lim," said PAP national organising secretary Rahmad Isahak.
"This appears to be another episode of PKR kow-towing to DAP although they are aware that at this critical moment, there should be a temporary power transfer for the sake of Penangites," he added.
Rahmad was referring to Rashid, who said during his solidarity speech at Dewan Sri Pinang on Saturday, that Lim must continue as chief minister, and remain to lead Penang Pakatan Harapan in future national polls.
This is despite Lim being arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission last Wednesay and slapped with two corruption charges at the Penang High Court the next day.
The two charges are related to his purchase of a RM2.8 million bungalow on Jalan Pinhorn, Penang.
The DAP secretary-general claimed trial to both charges and was released after posting a RM1 million bail with one surety.
But Rahmad questioned the "independence and cleanliness" of the state administration if the embattled Lim continued to hold the reins of power.
"This is questionable especially when the state is faced with the task of reviewing (for approval) major development projects," he said.
"If there was a referendum, surely the majority of people would want the CM to resign; he does not need to be egoistic as he has brought all these upon himself.
"Why do Penangites have to be victims and bear this shame for Lim?" Rahmad asked.
He added whilst Lim is yet to be convicted, he is now a "liability to Penangites".
He warned DAP not to exploit Penangites by trying to gain sympathy for Lim as "we are not judges who can decide on his case".
"Don't drag the people onto the streets, turning them into gangsters to violate laws, in order to get sympathy for Lim," Rahmad cautioned after 3,000 had donned colorful t-shirts and walked in solidarity with Lim in Penang on Sunday.
