Speaking at a press conference today, Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz said, “Pity the people. Don’t drag them into the issues (you are) facing.

“To me, whatever the results (of the snap polls) may be, it will not at all reflect on his (Lim) verdict in court.

“So don’t waste time. Elections involve money and massive spending.”

Nazri rationalised that whatever the reason behind the intention to hold snap polls, the public would only assume the decision was solely to distract them from the scandal Lim was embroiled in.

“Let’s just move on and focus on how to improve the country’s economy, including Penang’s,” the minister said.

Nazri however added that if at all the state government decided to go ahead with their plan, Barisan Nasional (BN) would have no problem reducing the Opposition’s majority there as they would be able to focus all their machinery on Penang.

“As a very old (coalition), facing either a separate state election, general election or by-election is not strange to us. We have no problems with it.

“And if you call for snap elections, it’s only going to benefit us (Barisan Nasional) because then we can focus all our machinery on the state.

“Their (Opposition’s) majority will be reduced, so they should not waste their time.”