KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 ― The cry of "Merdeka” or independence should be seen anew as a struggle for truth and justice, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today as his state administration fends off flak over its policies from Barisan Nasional (BN) federal leaders.

"As Malaysians celebrate our 59th Merdeka Anniversary, Penangites must not forget to renew the meaning of Merdeka as a struggle for truth, justice and freedom by rejecting all forms of political dominance that exploits racial and religious hatred,” Lim who is also DAP secretary-general said in his Merdeka message on the eve of the anniversary marking the country’s independence from colonial British rule.

Lim listed three specific allegations against the Penang government that he said were lies from the BN state opposition relating to its transport plan, capital city George Town’s heritage and state land issues.

He said Penang's proposed light rail transit (LRT) system will be built outside the state's George Town heritage enclave instead of within the zone as claimed.

He also dismissed claims that the Penang government had sold off RM40 billion worth of government land, noting that the Auditor-General's annual reports on the state government did not mention such an amount from land sales.

He further said the Auditor-General has repeatedly praised Penang as having one of the best financial managements nationwide.

Lim stressed that none of those who were alleged to have paid bribes for low-cost housing actually obtained such property, saying that this proved that the Penang government only offers low-cost housing to those who deserve them and that its allocation system is "corruption-proof”.

"We must continue to fight for truth, if we are to preserve our freedom and defend justice.

"The truth is that Penang has changed for the better as compared to 2008. Penang will continue to strive to be an entrepreneurial and welfare state to bring both prosperity and progress to all regardless of race, religion, background or political beliefs. Only then can Penang be an international and intelligent city that is clean, green, safe and healthy,” he concluded.