DAP showdown: Will the Lim dynasty hold or crumble?

DAP showdown: Will the Lim dynasty hold or crumble?






THE upcoming DAP election on March 16 is expected to be highly competitive, as those securing top positions may be frontrunners for Cabinet posts if the government retains power in 16th General Election.


Analysts note two main factions: one led by chairman Lim Guan Eng and another by secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook, with Loke’s camp likely to dominate. The election will also impact leadership in Penang, with Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim vying for the chief minister post.


Additionally, the party faces a generational shift, with senior leaders stepping down, paving the way for younger figures. The election will also determine whether DAP maintains a multiracial leadership, particularly in terms of Malay and Indian representation.


The recent birthday celebration of veteran politician Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang in Penang also highlighted internal tensions within the DAP ahead of its crucial party election on March 16, writes The Straits Times of Singapore.

Lim, the party’s national chairman, faces growing criticism for his aggressive tactics, which have caused divisions, particularly in Penang. His influence was evident in the 2023 state election when his faction sidelined key figures, leading to Chow Kon Yeow resigning as Penang DAP chairman.

However, Lim’s tactics backfired in the 2024 Penang DAP poll, with only two of his preferred candidates securing positions.

Concerns are mounting over whether he will retain his leadership role or step aside to protect his sister, Lim Hui Ying. Meanwhile, another political legacy Gobind Singh Deo faces uncertainty after losing his position as Selangor DAP chief.

The upcoming election could mark a shift in DAP’s leadership, potentially moving away from its founding families’ dominance.

Again at Kit Siang’s 84th birthday celebration, Sim praised him for stepping aside to allow the new generation to lead, contrasting him with his son, Guan Eng, who is actively campaigning to retain influence.

Guan Eng’s recent grassroots efforts suggest he wants to stay relevant within the party and support Gobind’s position as deputy chairman. Despite past criticism, some members view the Lim family’s contributions as invaluable.

With the DAP election approaching on March 16, the key question remains: Can Guan Eng and his sister, Lim Hui Ying, maintain their influence? — Feb 22, 2025