Sacrifices of Lim family not disputed, but it's time for new leaders: Phee
Published: Feb 19, 2025 4:48 PM
Updated: 7:51 PM
Summary
- Penang DAP veteran Phee Boon Poh calls for leadership renewal in the party, and urges new leaders to take charge and drive the party forward in a fresh direction.
- Phee says aside from the Lim family, many other veteran members have given their all to the party’s cause.
Penang DAP veteran Phee Boon Poh has called for leadership renewal in the party, stating that while the sacrifices of the Lim family are recognised, many other veteran members have also dedicated everything to the party’s cause.
The Lim family refers to the family of party national chairperson Lim Guan Eng, and his father Kit Siang, who once led the DAP for decades.
Announcing his withdrawal from the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) race, Phee (above) urged the next generation of leaders to take charge and drive the party forward in a new direction.
“Kit Siang and other veterans made great sacrifices for the party, and this fact is undeniable. DAP’s survival through its most challenging times was a collective effort of blood, sweat, and tears.
“Guan Eng was imprisoned because of the party, and we all stood by him as he endured trials and hardships. The sacrifices made by Guan Eng and his father for the cause will never be forgotten by the party.
“However, we must also remember that after his release, Guan Eng became the party’s secretary-general in 2004 and held the position until 2022. In 2008, he became a state assemblyperson, a parliamentarian, and the Penang chief minister,” Phee said in a statement today.
DAP national chairperson Lim Guan Eng
He noted that in 2018, Guan Eng was appointed finance minister, becoming the first ethnic Chinese to hold the position since 1974.
Phee added that Guan Eng’s sister, Hui Ying, also serves as Tanjong MP and deputy finance minister.
“No one disputes the sacrifices made by the Lim family, but there are also many other veteran members who have given their all for this cause.
“I, too, have made many sacrifices and financial contributions to ensure that Penang DAP survived during its most difficult times. I did so wholeheartedly, without expecting any rewards or recognition,” he said.
Focus on mentoring
Phee, who first stood as a DAP candidate in 1990, has served five terms in the Penang state assembly and three terms as a state exco member.
He noted that in 2018, Guan Eng was appointed finance minister, becoming the first ethnic Chinese to hold the position since 1974.
Phee added that Guan Eng’s sister, Hui Ying, also serves as Tanjong MP and deputy finance minister.
“No one disputes the sacrifices made by the Lim family, but there are also many other veteran members who have given their all for this cause.
“I, too, have made many sacrifices and financial contributions to ensure that Penang DAP survived during its most difficult times. I did so wholeheartedly, without expecting any rewards or recognition,” he said.
Focus on mentoring
Phee, who first stood as a DAP candidate in 1990, has served five terms in the Penang state assembly and three terms as a state exco member.
DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang
He said his focus in recent years has been on mentoring new talents to become future leaders, which is why he is stepping away from leadership positions.
“Therefore, as a veteran leader, I believe that the time has come to give the next generation a better future and allow them to lead the party forward in a new direction.
“We must accept that the party does not owe us anything,” he added.
A response to Guan Eng’s speech?
Phee’s statement appears to be in response to Guan Eng’s speech at a tribute dinner for Kit Siang in Penang last Saturday.
Guan Eng reportedly dismissed long-standing accusations that their family sought to establish a “Lim Dynasty”, and questioned why critics remained silent on this claim when both he and his father had been imprisoned for their political struggles.
He also reportedly praised his father’s unwavering commitment to Malaysia, emphasising that Kit Siang never sought personal gain but fought only for a stronger and better country.
Once a strong ally of Guan Eng, Phee was notably absent from the delegates’ meeting of the Bagan DAP Parliamentary Liaison Committee (PLC), which Guan Eng chaired.
He said his focus in recent years has been on mentoring new talents to become future leaders, which is why he is stepping away from leadership positions.
“Therefore, as a veteran leader, I believe that the time has come to give the next generation a better future and allow them to lead the party forward in a new direction.
“We must accept that the party does not owe us anything,” he added.
A response to Guan Eng’s speech?
Phee’s statement appears to be in response to Guan Eng’s speech at a tribute dinner for Kit Siang in Penang last Saturday.
Guan Eng reportedly dismissed long-standing accusations that their family sought to establish a “Lim Dynasty”, and questioned why critics remained silent on this claim when both he and his father had been imprisoned for their political struggles.
He also reportedly praised his father’s unwavering commitment to Malaysia, emphasising that Kit Siang never sought personal gain but fought only for a stronger and better country.
Once a strong ally of Guan Eng, Phee was notably absent from the delegates’ meeting of the Bagan DAP Parliamentary Liaison Committee (PLC), which Guan Eng chaired.
A tribute dinner for DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang (centre) in Penang on Feb 16
His absence was cited as one of the reasons why the PLC failed to meet the quorum to convene its meeting on Dec 15, 2024, sparking widespread speculation ahead of the CEC election.
However, the PLC successfully convened a subsequent meeting on Dec 22, where those present unanimously declared their full and unwavering support for Guan Eng’s leadership.
Earlier today, two other veteran leaders - Tan Kok Wai and Fong Kui Lun - also announced their withdrawal from the CEC contest.
His absence was cited as one of the reasons why the PLC failed to meet the quorum to convene its meeting on Dec 15, 2024, sparking widespread speculation ahead of the CEC election.
However, the PLC successfully convened a subsequent meeting on Dec 22, where those present unanimously declared their full and unwavering support for Guan Eng’s leadership.
Earlier today, two other veteran leaders - Tan Kok Wai and Fong Kui Lun - also announced their withdrawal from the CEC contest.
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