The Penang State Executive Council today decided that Lim Guan Eng need not resign as the chief minister or go on leave pending the completion of his corruption trial, said Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon.

He said he proposed the matter at the meeting and was seconded by Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy.

"We have full confidence in the leadership of the Honourable Chief Minister in helming the state executive council and the state government," he told a press conference here.

Ramasamy, who was also present at the press conference, said all the state executive councillors supported the decision.

Lim faces two corruption charges brought by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, one over the conversion of an agricultural zone to a housing zone and the other over the purchase of a plot of land and bungalow at below market price.

The former owner of his bungalow, Phang Li Koon, also pleaded not guilty toabetting Lim to acquire for Lim the land and bungalow.