Lim vs. Zahid: A Real Battle or Just More Political Wayang?

Lim vs. Zahid: A Real Battle or Just More Political Wayang?


14 Mar 2025 • 1:30 PM MYT


Mihar Dias
A behaviourist by training, a consultant and executive coach by profession

Image Credit: Malay Mail(Zahid) & Image Credit: Malay Mail (Lim Guan Eng)

By Mihar Dias March 2025


Oh yes, the great Lim Guan Eng versus Ahmad Zahid Hamidi showdown—Malaysia’s latest political drama series, now streaming live at every DAP and Umno gathering.


One can’t help but wonder: Is this a genuine war of words, or just another well-orchestrated episode of Political Wayang Kulit?


Let’s examine the evidence.


On the surface, Lim's fiery speech—reminding Zahid that DAP will not be bossed around by Umno—seems like a bold declaration of independence. https://newswav.com/A2503_16MUxK?s=A_EovvfGo&language=en


A grandstand moment at the DAP veterans' gathering, designed to rally the faithful, stir up emotions, and, of course, remind everyone of the "glory days" when DAP fought tooth and nail as the opposition. https://newswav.com/A2503_16MUxK?s=A_EovvfGo&language=en


The timing is perfect, too—right before the party’s central executive committee (CEC) elections. Nothing like a good old-fashioned enemy to energize the base.


But hold on a minute. If Lim truly believes DAP should not be bossed around by Umno, then what does this say about the current government’s Madani marriage of convenience?


If his tirade was sincere, then the cracks in the unity government are deeper than we thought, and perhaps the DAP-Umno love story is heading for an ugly divorce. Maybe Lim is bracing for life after Zahid—just in case Anwar’s balancing act finally collapses.


On the other hand, what if this was all just a political charade? A bit of well-rehearsed shadowboxing to create the illusion of a strong, independent DAP while still keeping the coalition intact?


If so, then it’s merely a show for the grassroots—a reassurance that, even in bed with Umno, DAP is still its own master. And perhaps, when the cameras are off, Lim can make amends, reminding Zahid that in politics, these things are just “part of the game.”


Zahid, for his part, seems unbothered. Why should he be? The man has survived worse—court cases, party coups, and even Dr. Mahathir’s insults. A little verbal jab from Lim won’t shake him. If anything, it might even work in his favour, making him look like the bigger man in the coalition while Lim plays the role of the rebellious underdog.


And let’s not forget the subplot: Lim’s own position in DAP is under scrutiny. There’s talk that he may be "promoted" to the role of DAP adviser—an elegant way of sidelining him without outright pushing him off the stage. https://newswav.com/A2503_16MUxK?s=A_EovvfGo&language=en


Is his outburst just an attempt to prove he still has fire in his belly, a last-ditch effort to stay relevant?


After all, his aggressive style has reportedly ruffled feathers in Penang, where he’s had a fallout with leaders like Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.


Could it be that Lim’s real fight isn’t with Zahid, but with his own party?


So, what’s the verdict? Is Lim’s attack on Zahid a sign of a crumbling coalition, or just political theatre for party elections?


If it’s the former, Anwar Ibrahim had better start worrying about the stability of his government. If it’s the latter, then expect Lim to shake hands with Zahid at the next unity government photo op, all smiles and pleasantries, as if none of this ever happened.


Either way, the rakyat will be watching—some entertained, some exasperated, and most just wondering when the next episode of Political Wayang will drop.