Guan Eng under Pressure to Step Aside for New Leadership

Guan Eng under Pressure to Step Aside for New Leadership


13 Mar 2025 • 7:30 AM MYT


Kamran
A freelance content creator

Image Credit: The Vibes


As the DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) election approaches, veteran party member Charles Santiago has urged Lim Guan Eng to step aside and allow fresh leadership to take the reins. Santiago argued that the Bagan MP’s recent actions have clashed with party principles, leading to growing internal tensions and frustration among members.


According to Santiago, Guan Eng’s controversial remarks and decisions have raised concerns about his continued leadership. “In a democracy, representatives must shape the party’s future by electing leaders who align with its values,” he said. However, he pointed out that Guan Eng’s influence has at times overshadowed the role of the Secretary-General, leading to discontent within the party’s ranks.

Growing Calls for Leadership Change

Santiago’s comments reflect increasing pressure from grassroots members and various factions within DAP to consider new leadership. This comes amid speculation that DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke has privately met with Guan Eng, urging him to reconsider his bid for the chairmanship to ease internal party tensions.


Reports suggest Loke has been trying to persuade the former Finance Minister to remain in the CEC without contesting the chairman position. Despite these efforts, Guan Eng has yet to make a definitive decision.

Mixed Reactions Within DAP

DAP Perak Deputy Chairman Dr. Abdul Aziz Bari stated that while the decision ultimately lies with Guan Eng, he must assess his support among party members in light of recent developments. “We are giving him the opportunity to run, but it’s the delegates who will decide his fate,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of democratic processes in leadership transitions.


Meanwhile, political analyst Professor Dr. James Chin believes Guan Eng is unlikely to step aside voluntarily. Chin argued that it would be unfair to pressure him into withdrawing from the race, emphasizing that party elections should be a fair and open competition. “It’s his right to contest, and his decision will likely take into account his family’s long-standing role in the party,” Chin stated in a Facebook post.


With growing divisions over Guan Eng’s leadership and mounting calls for a new chairman, the upcoming DAP election is set to be a defining moment for the party’s future. Whether Guan Eng chooses to contest or step aside, the decision will have a lasting impact on DAP’s internal dynamics and leadership direction.


Information Source: The Vibes