This question was posed by Penang Umno Chief Zainal Abidin Osman over apparent plans to call for an early state election to gauge Lim’s popularity after recent graft charges.
Zainal said the polls idea was an attempt to whitewash Lim’s tainted image and to garner sympathy votes before his trial for graft.
“Could this state election proposal be a political trick by the DAP and Pakatan Harapan?
“Are Lim and Pakatan afraid of the truth that is about to be revealed in court when the trial begins?
“Perhaps he is pre-empting the damage that is likely to erode support for Pakatan if he is convicted?” he said in a press statement today.
Malay Mail Online reported that DAP leaders were mulling holding an early state election to gauge the support of Penangites over Lim’s recent arraignment in court over corruption charges.
Zainal said a state election would cost a lot in taxpayers’ money and would be pointless.
“Dissolving a state legislative assembly and calling for polls is usually done by a CM who is going through a confidence crisis.
“Why must he (Lim) drag the rakyat into his graft case when the judiciary is fair enough, giving him an avenue to prove that he is not guilty?”
Zainal repeated his call for Lim to step down until absolved of his charges.
“The DAP should appoint an acting CM and order Lim to take leave.
“This is if the DAP is serious about defending the integrity and transparency of the Penang Government.”
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