KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 ― An MCA leader urged Lim Guan Eng today to maintain his cool as he awaits judgment for corruption, saying the Penang chief minister should not seek to place more pressure on the courts with his public declarations of conspiracy.

The leader, MCA’s religious bureau chief Datuk Ti Lian Ker, said Lim should focus on fighting his case instead of spending time vilifying all those he believed responsible for putting him in the dock.

"As he asserted that he will prove his innocence in court, he should not hype up allegations that the MACC or the Attorney-General are political tools,” Ti said in a statement, referring to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission by its initials.

"You are lucky that unlike others who are poor, you are going to have the best legal services.  There is no need for any political antics or theatrics at this point of time,” he added.

"I would suggest that Lim Guan Eng should stay his cool and take his stroll.”

Lim claimed trial yesterday to two corruption charges ― one under Section 23 of the MACC Act and another under Section 165 of the Penal Code ― over his approval of an application from Magnificent Emblem to convert a piece of land from agricultural to residential use, as well as over his purchase of a house from the firm’s director, Phang Li Koon, for RM2.8 million, which was below the property’s market value of RM4.27 million.

After posting bail, the Penang leader held a press conference to declare his innocence, also blaming politics and the Barisan Nasional (BN) for what he claimed was a campaign to smear his and the state administration’s name.

But Ti pointed out to Lim that as a politician, he should know that his actions would be subjected to public scrutiny.

He reminded the second-term chief minister that investigations were launched when reports were lodged against him over his alleged corrupt deeds.

"You have been charged in court and as a lawmaker, you must uphold the law and the rule of law.

"Do not undermine the courts or attempt to subjugate the courts to public or political pressure,” the MCA man said.