Decision for Lim Guan Eng to stay shows DAP's principle - Salleh Said Keruak

Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak today said the DAP's decision that Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng need not to resign or go on leave following corruption charges made against clearly showed the party's principle in giving importance to positions.

The Communication and Multimedia Minister said it was different from the Barisan Nasional's (BN) stand that when any of its leader were charged in court, they would go on leave or resign.

"It's different in DAP, they want to keep their positions. When DAP decides that Lim need not to resign, the people can judge for themselves the principles upheld by DAP and BN," he said after launching the 'Message From Prime Minister' (MDPM) programme at the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station here today.

Yesterday, the Penang DAP Committee decided that there was no need for Lim to resign or going on leave following the two corruption charges made against him.

Lim, 56, was accused of using his position as chief minister for himself and his wife Betty Chew Gek Cheng's interest to approve the conversion of a piece of land from its status as an agricultural land to residential land and transferring it to a company, Magnificient Emblem Sdn Bhd.

The DAP secretary-general was also accused of corruptly obtaining for himself and his wife, a piece of land and bungalow at No 25, Jalan Pinhorn, George Town here from a businesswoman, Phang Li Koon for RM2.8 million.

Meanwhile, Salleh said the MDPM programme reflected Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's concern over public safety, especially those who would drive to their hometowns for Aidilfitri, besides reminding the people about the importance of spending wisely during the festive season.

The message was conveyed in Hari Raya cards distributed to the public and in a video recording aired on electronic media.