In DAP’s elections, a tussle
over how to deal with
PKR, Umno
Lim Guan Eng’s allies want him to continue, as a bulwark against PKR and Umno, but others prefer new younger leaders with a broader, more inclusive appeal.
The source, who did not wish to be named, claimed that PKR and Umno were seen as seeking to dismantle DAP’s “Malaysian Malaysia” concept, which has been the party’s battle cry since it was formed in 1965.
Separately, another source said the rise of younger leaders who are also ministers indicates a potential shift away from the longstanding dominance of Guan Eng’s father, party veteran Lim Kit Siang.
The younger leaders, backed by moderate forces from within and outside the party, hold the promise of a more collective leadership style that emphasises collaboration and inclusivity.
Broader appeal
“This group is likely to broaden DAP’s appeal beyond its traditional support base among the Chinese and Indian electorate,” the source said.
On the pro-Guan Eng side, the party insider said PKR and Umno felt that seat negotiations and government posts would be “a lot easier” without him.
“The (pro-Guan Eng) group feels that the emergence of new leaders within DAP will significantly influence the party’s approach, in view of its evolving identity and strategies in a multi-ethnic political landscape,” the source told FMT.
Malaysian Malaysia slogan
DAP’s “Malaysian Malaysia” slogan was coined by Lee Kuan Yew when Singapore was part of the federation. The concept envisions “a Malaysia in which all Malaysians regardless of race, language or religion share equally in the opportunities of life”.
The slogan has been viewed with suspicion and hostility in the political establishment as paving the way for the erosion of the special privileges granted to the Malay and native communities.
Umno leaders have consistently urged DAP to consider dropping the slogan if it wants broader support in the Malay community. Last year, Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah suggested that ties between Umno and DAP would improve if DAP abandoned the “Malaysian Malaysia” slogan.
Contentious issues
The source also said that Guan Eng, a former federal minister, never balked at speaking out on contentious issues, whereas some leaders, especially those holding government positions, would shy away from such matters.
This was another reason for retaining Guan Eng as DAP chairman, for at least another term, the source said.
DAP as MCA 2.0
The source said there was a move by external forces to reduce the party into an “MCA 2.0”, a label used by some when comparing DAP with the Chinese-based BN partner when it came to speaking up on issues before and after it joined the government.
The push to reduce DAP’s influence stems from the belief held by Umno and PKR that most non-Malay voters will continue to back the unity government as long as PAS and Bersatu continue pushing for racial and religious supremacy.
The source said that chat messages have been making the rounds in DAP groups, urging members to remember Guan Eng’s detention under the Internal Security Act and his imprisonment for criticising the government’s handling of allegations of statutory rape involving a prominent politician in the 1990s.
“While it may appeal to the converted, it’s quite difficult to get through to the younger generation,” the source said.
Rise of new leaders
Separately, another source said the rise of leaders such as party secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, vice chairman Nga Kor Ming and organising secretary Steven Sim were likely to broaden DAP’s appeal.
“Like what Umno and PKR want, the new leaders are likely to adopt strategies aimed at improving relations with Malay voters, which is crucial for the unity government’s long-term viability,” the source said.
The source said recent statements and views by the likes of Loke, Nga and Sim have suggested a more conciliatory approach, focussing on reassuring Malay-Muslim voters that the party poses no threat to their special privileges and Islam.
Beyond ethnic politics
“I suppose they feel that this can shed the party’s traditional image as one that champions only non-Malay issues and make them more acceptable to the Malay electorate,” the source said.
The time had come for DAP to become a unifying force and rid its image as a party that primarily represents one ethnic group, the source said.
The DAP elections for the central executive committee will be held on March 16, in conjunction with the party’s national congress.
A total of 70 DAP leaders will vie for positions on the 30-member committee. Those elected will choose office-bearers for the 2025-2028 term, a period leading up to the general election, expected by November 2027.
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kt comments:
One fine day, UMNO and PKR will merge - after all, PKR is a splinter group from UMNO and the Mothership beckons patriotically, wakakaka. Madani will luv that.
The 'nons' in PKR can form an associate partner-party like the one PAS has, or alternatively join Gerakan or Urimal since the DAP is unlikely to accept them, wakakaka again.
The DAP can then go on to do what it does best, being Opposition Party again, wakakaka a third time.
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