He said this over the former’s act of firing two PKR assemblymen from state government linked companies for not voting against Umno’s motion in the state assembly last November.

“It was a drastic move, which could give the perception that Lim is an autocratic leader. He should have discussed the matter with the Pakatan Harapan leadership first,” the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) lecturer told FMT.

Lim, who is DAP secretary-general dismissed Bukit Tengah assemblyman Ong Chin Wen and Kebun Bunga assemblyman Cheah Kah Peng from their positions in state linked companies, when the duo abstained from voting against Umno’s motion to stop land reclamation projects in the state.

Their sackings have sparked protests from PKR Penang, with Chairman Mansor Othman questioning the dismissal.

PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali has also come to the duo’s defence, saying there were only carrying out their responsibilities as representatives of the people.

Azizuddin also opined that Lim risked creating tension between the two parties (DAP and PKR), especially at the state level.

“His action could definitely hamper (Pakatan Harapan) activity at the state level, besides the preparations for the coming general election,” he said.

Ong was previously the director of investPenang and Island Gold Properties Berhad, while Cheah was director of Penang Hill Corporation.