DAP veteran Charles Santiago has urged Lim Guan Eng to step aside in the upcoming DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections, citing internal tensions and controversies surrounding his leadership.
He argued that Guan Eng’s recent actions have upset party members, leading to calls for new leadership.
“In any democratic system, delegates have the responsibility to determine the future direction of a political party. However, many are frustrated with Guan Eng due to numerous concerns about his leadership,” Charles said.
“Additionally, his tendency to overstep the Secretary-General’s role has angered many. As a result, there are calls from grassroots members and other factions for DAP to choose a new chairman,” Santiago told a Malay news portal.
Meanwhile, speculation suggests DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke met with national chairperson Lim Guan Eng to dissuade him from seeking re-election in the upcoming party election, but Lim remained steadfast, allegedly saying he would run again even if it meant facing defeat.
Despite the impasse, Loke refused to relent and vowed to make one final effort to convince Lim before the leadership election on March 16.
Source : Focus
A “concerted push” is taking place to oust Lim Guan Eng from his leadership position in DAP, a party insider said, but this was not the workings of a so-called “deep state”.
On Monday, party veteran S Neelamekan claimed outside forces were looking to dislodge Lim from his position while another source said a more “moderate” leader was being sought in a bid to attract Malay voters.
However, the party insider claims the sentiment against Lim, a former two-term Penang chief minister, has been building for years, with members particularly frustrated by his open rebuke of incumbent Chow Kon Yeow.
“There is no deep state and no attempt to overthrow the old guard.
“But there is a genuine movement to remove him,” said the party insider from Penang, who asked not to be named.
DAP party elections are set to be held on March 16.
The insider also said party members have expressed concern over the Lim family’s continued grip on the party, with sister Hui Ying currently Penang DAP’s secretary.
They warn that the party’s core values are at risk.
“Leaders must be chosen based on merit,” said the insider.
Lim is also viewed as a “growing liability”, the insider added, with party veterans concerned that the two ongoing corruption cases he is facing “may hurt DAP’s public image”.
The insider said veteran members accept that Lim and his father Kit Siang have both sacrificed much for the party’s cause.
“Yes, Guan Eng and Kit Siang went to jail (defending the party’s ideals), but that doesn’t mean you can overstay your welcome.
“You (Lim) have had two terms as chief minister, many years as MP, and Kit has already been recognised with Tan Sri and Dato’ Seri titles,” said the insider.
The insider said Lim’s detractors do not want him to serve another term as party chairman, as that would place him in a powerful five-man committee that approves election candidates.
Source : FMT
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