Teh Yee Cheu (DAP-Tanjong Bungah) said it was the collective responsibility of the assembly to put public interest at heart, especially when its leader was faced with a controversy.
He said this was important for the good governance mantra chanted by the Penang government and to ensure the “kewibawaan” (credibility) of the august house stood firm.
“If (taking leave) it is a bitter pill to swallow, then I suggest we take a more progressive approach.
“To uphold justice, the said leader must be advised by this house to not chair the State Planning Authority (SPC) or the State Land Committee temporarily until a verdict is reached by the courts,” he said when debating the 2017 Supply Bill.
The SPC functions as the regulator of all development work in the state, as provided for under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976.
Teh is known for his non-partisan views and had previously asked for the Penang chief ministership to be limited to two terms to prevent abuse and graft.
Teh said the state assembly would remain in a “crisis mode” as long as the judiciary was investigating its executive branch on several accusations.
“Our system is modelled after the Westminster (system of) parliament, where the separation of powers between the legislature, executive and judiciary are exercised.
“Now, we are faced with a crisis through suits against our executive. I feel it is only right and fair that we scrutinise the ‘tatakelola’ (governance) of the executive in this assembly,” he said.
On June 30, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was charged with using his public office or position to obtain gratification for himself and his wife, Betty Chew, by approving an application by Magnificent Emblem Sdn Bhd to convert agricultural land to residential purpose during a state executive councillors’ meeting on July 18, 2014.
Lim was also alleged to have used his position to obtain gratification by purchasing a bungalow from businesswoman Phang Li Koon for RM2.8 million, below the property’s market value of RM4.7 million on July 28, 2015.
He pleaded not guilty to both charges, saying it was a plan by the BN to kill his political career.
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