‘Numbers game’ will
decide Guan Eng’s fate as
DAP chairman
Sources say while the national chairman is expected to secure a spot in the CEC, he may need the support of Loke Siew Fook and Nga Kor Ming to retain his post.
The elected members will then choose the party’s office-bearers for the 2025-2028 term, a crucial period leading up to the next general election (GE16) due by November 2027.
While the secretary-general holds executive powers under DAP’s constitution, the chairman remains a key figure, leading a five-member committee responsible for selecting election candidates.
Other members on the committee are the secretary-general, deputy chairman and two vice-chairmen.
Tough road ahead for Guan Eng
Sources expect DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng to get onto the CEC but say he may find it harder to secure enough votes from within the CEC to retain chairmanship of the party if the position is contested.
DAP’s constitution mandates that women must occupy nine of the 30 CEC seats.
Historically, CEC leadership roles have been decided by consensus, with voting taking place if there is a challenge.
“To be honest, at the moment, it is looking a bit difficult for Guan Eng to retain his post because of the tide against him. (There are) forces out to end his career within and outside the party. He cannot do it on his own.
“He has to seek the support of DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook and Perak chief Nga Kor Ming, both of whom are ministers in the current government. They have considerable sway in the outcome of the elections,” the source told FMT.
And failing to secure the chairman’s post could mark the end of Guan Eng’s political career, as it would put his candidacy for GE16 in jeopardy.
Struggles of legacy politics
Another party source said Guan Eng’s history of political struggles — including his and his father Lim Kit Siang’s detention under the now-defunct Internal Security Act (ISA) and the 18-month jail term he served in the 1998 Rahim Thamby Chik case — might earn him some sympathy but might not be enough to guarantee a victory.
He said the older leaders and members who witnessed those struggles have either passed on or are being replaced by the younger generation who are poised to take full control of the party.
“We have seen how senior leaders in political parties cannot rely on their past laurels anymore. One group is actually pleading with the delegates to remember the sacrifices of the father and son which have brought DAP to where it is today.
“Some say that although approaching 65, he is still young and has the energy.
“Unfortunately, this may not be enough for him to retain his position. His critics say the party must plan its next course of action to stay relevant and not be bogged down by infighting,” he said.
The source estimates that Guan Eng may be able to secure between eight and ten strong allies on the CEC.
However, he would still need the support of between six and eight members from Loke and Nga’s factions to keep his post. Ironically, that leaves Guan Eng reliant on those he once helped elevate, the source added.
According to the source, many senior leaders are disheartened by the indifference shown by younger leaders toward Guan Eng’s past sacrifices.
Who could replace Guan Eng?
One source said the faction opposing Guan Eng is campaigning to elect Damansara MP Gobind Singh Deo, who topped the CEC elections in 2022.
Despite losing in the Selangor DAP election last year, the source said Gobind has enough national appeal to make it onto the CEC.
“However, whether Gobind will accept the post at the expense of someone who has had his back all along is the question. Both share a close personal and professional bond which could see Gobind avoiding an unpleasant situation,” he said.
He said other names being floated include Nga and Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow.
“Although the chairman does not have any executive powers, his mere position as head of the election committee makes him very important during a general election term,” he said.
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