GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government will not be distracted by the conflicting statements made by Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties on wresting the state from the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalition.

Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said the BN was waging a psychological war by sending out conflicting signals on the BN's future in Penang.

He was commenting on The Edge Financial Daily interview with Gerakan adviser Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik who was quoted as saying that Gerakan has lost Penang for good.

"Umno is gung-ho saying it will regain Penang, but Gerakan is saying otherwise. This is all part of a psyche war but we will not be distracted by them," said Lim.

"Penangites will decide for themselves whom they want during the next general election. The PR state government will continue to work hard and deliver our promises to the electorate and let them judge us.

"This government has been a government for everyone, regardless of race, colour, creed or background.

"We have been fair to all," Lim said at a press conference after receiving a PAS Youth delegation led by national PAS Youth chief Nasaruddin Hassan.

Nasaruddin said the meeting was to obtain a firsthand briefing from the state government on the latest political upheaval in Penang which has been in the national limelight in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Lim refused to comment on a statement by the Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce (DPMPP) president Rizal Faris Mohideen challenging him to a debate.

"He should settle his own problems with his headquarters (Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia)," Lim added.

A police report was lodged against Rizal on Feb 12 by Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Abdul Rahim Abu Bakar for criminal intimidation.

Rizal is alleged to have uttered harsh words against Rahim and also attempted to assault him at the Penang International Airport after Rahim and other officials from the national body had met Lim on Feb 10.

The group had sought Lim's clarification on the allegations made by Rizal that Malays were being sidelined and targeted by Lim's administration.

Lim also refused to comment on PKR Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng's statement that the DAP should act against Deputy Chief Minister P Ramasamy and Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi for criticising him (Tan) for his recent attacks against Lim.

Lim said the matter should be dealt with by PKR and he did not want to interfere in the party's matters.