The DAP leader, currently embroiled in a controversy over a bungalow he purchased in Penang, had evaded reporters who approached him during his entrance and exit from the Parliament building here.

He also brushed off attempts by members of the media trying to get his comments on Barisan Nasional MPs’ calls for him to take a leave of absence while the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) looked into the allegations of power abuse.

The calls echoed Lim’s own when last year he urged Najib Razak to go on a vacation while investigations were being conducted over the RM2.6 billion political donation deposited into the prime minister’s personal bank accounts.

However, he said unlike Najib, he was not in a position that would allow him to interfere with the probe which was based on false allegations.

When met by reporters later in the evening, Lim defended himself and denied that he had avoided the media in Parliament. He said that he was in a hurry to attend a meeting.

“I didn’t flee. I had an appointment. I am back now and I’m here to face (Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister) Abdul Rahman Dahlan. He challenged me to come and here I am.

“I am not running away, I am here, so let him come, ask me any questions and I will answer.”

Veteran Umno member Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah earlier today said it would be appropriate for Lim to go on a leave of absence.

“It is usual, if there is a case of abuse of power or corruption, for the individual to go on leave to allow the authorities to properly verify the alleged incident.