DAP leaders and members are gathering outside the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters in Penang to demand the release of party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is being held at the premises with Phang Li Khoon, the previous owner of his Jalan Pinhorn bungalow since 6pm today.

Penang DAP top guns including Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy and state executive councillors Chow Kon Yeow, Phee Boon Poh, Lim Hock Seng, Danny Law, Chong Eng were seen among the crowd.

Parti Amanah Negara vice-president Mujahid Yusof Rawa arrived after attending a buka puasa event in Bukit Gelugor, which was supposed to be opened by Guan Eng.

Sporadic shouts of “Bebaskan Guan Eng” (Free Guan Eng) and “Hidup Guan Eng” (Long live Guan Eng) were heard among the crowd.

They also chant "Tangkap Najib, tangkap Jho Low" (Arrest Najib, arrest Jho Low), in reference to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his family friend, Penang-born 1MDB-linked businessman Low Taek-Jho.

The crowd of about 1,000 people continued to chant 'free Guan Eng' slogans when one of the state’s official cars, a black Toyota with plate number PCM 1, was seen leaving the compound of the building.

Lim was not in the car. Speculation is rife that Lim will be released tonight.

He will be brought before the Penang Sessions Court to face two charges under Section 23 of the MACC 2009 Act for purportedly rezoning an agricultural land to a commercial lot.

He is also to be charged under Section 165 of the Penal Code for allegedly buying his bungalow at below market value, an offence for a public officer.