MCA publicity spokesperson Ti Lian Ker has questioned Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng over a new photograph showing him with a purported MACC suspect in a vehicle.

"When the first photograph emerged on social media, the chief minister conveniently brushed it off claiming he has taken photographs with numerous personalities and denied having any dealings at all with this "Datuk Seri".

"So what is Guan Eng's excuse this time?" Ti said in a statement.

Ti insisted that no one "coincidentally" takes photographs with the same person more than once unless they know each other.

The "Datuk Seri" in question was arrested by MACC for purportedly receiving an RM19 million bribe to help stop investigations into the Penang undersea tunnel project.

Lim's office had decried the circulation of the first photograph (below) as a smear campaign against the chief minister.

“As a public figure, the Penang chief minister has taken many photographs with many personalities and cannot recall how many times or where each and every photograph was taken.

“Does taking a photo make one a buddy or does it make one who is close to BN into a DAP supporter?” it had said in a statement.

Malaysiakini has reached out the Lim on the latest photograph and is waiting for his response.

The second photograph first circulated on Facebook has also been publicised on The Star Online.

Ti said Lim should stop "sweeping dirt under the carpet" and come clean on the matter.

He also pressed Lim to debate with MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong on the Penang undersea tunnel project.

"You keep hiding by claiming that you will only debate with our president, but to us, your excuse does not hold water at all.

"Why not take up our challenge so once and for all, everything with regards to the undersea tunnel project can be laid out in the open?" he said.