Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today had to clarify the appointment of relatives by several state executive councillors in his administration.

NONEThese state excos are also assemblypersons - Chong Eng (Bukit Mertajam), Lim Hock Seng (Bagan Jermal) and Abdul Malik Abul Kassim (Batu Maung).

This comes in the wake of criticism of nepotism against Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz who appointed his son Nedim as a special officer.

Nazri defended his decision to appoint his son, saying the latter served as a "office boy" in his constituency to reach out to the younger generation.

"We have resolved the matter by making a stand after the May 5 elections that our state excos are not allowed to directly appoint their children or immediate family members," said Lim after visiting the sinkhole infront of Menara Umno along Jalan Macalister.

He confirmed that Chong Eng's son is assisting her but as a volunteer. However, he is not under the state's payroll.

Abdul Malik said his sister had been working with him in his office since 2008 but to comply with the 505 decision, she had tendered her resignation this month.

Hock Seng also confirmed that his brother had helped him in his constituency but has however, left the position.

Meanwhile, Lim asked his excos to check if they had any relatives under the state's payroll.

He said  it was not a problem if the relatives (children or family members) of the excos went through the proper interview and were hired by others.

"It is not wrong to assist the family as long as it is not under the government's payroll," he explained.

"The excos should not directly appointment their family members under them. However, if they went through proper interviews and are qualified, either other excos or I can hire them," he added.

"Of course, there will be the so-called public perception about this but we did not directly hire them and they are not under the state's payroll," he stressed.