'Fierce' leadership contests to unfold at DAP national congress today

THE Democratic Action Party's (DAP) national congress, is set to witness the most intense leadership contest in recent memory, with party delegates preparing to cast their votes for the next Central Executive Committee (CEC).

DAP seems to find itself at a critical juncture. The internal battle between its younger members and seasoned veterans will shape its future direction, making this election a pivotal moment in Malaysian politics

After weeks of internal campaigning, heated accusations, and unsubstantiated rumours, the race for key leadership positions has reached its climax.

Recently, several prominent figures within the party expressed their support for party secretary general Anthony Loke Siew Fook, pledging full backing for his bid to restructure the CEC and inject new energy into the leadership.

“It’s important to form a strong and united leadership to face the next general election, and we pledge our full backing to Loke to restructure the CEC and inject fresh energy,” some leaders who had steeped aside from standing in the party polls said.

The days leading up to the election were fraught with speculation, with Loke's rival, Lim Guan Eng, forced to take to Facebook to quash rumours suggesting he was withdrawing from the CEC contest.

He called the reports “unverified and false,” putting an end to the swirling speculation that had dominated party discussions.

On Friday, Loke outlined his vision for a major overhaul of the party’s CEC, pledging that if re-elected, he would reshuffle the leadership to allow fresh faces to take on key roles, ensuring a renewal of leadership within the party.

Sources within the party have suggested a division between two factions: one aligned with Loke’s vision for a more youthful leadership, and another made up of party veterans.

Among grassroots members, there is growing support for a younger leadership team.

Many party veterans have opted not to contest the election, which has been met with approval from some quarters. Despite this internal friction, some senior DAP leaders are concerned about the potential impact of the leadership contest on the party's unity.

Some said the party must avoid repeating the mistakes of the MCA, whose internal leadership struggles during its time in the Barisan Nasional (BN) government led to instability.

“We must not repeat MCA’s history, where leadership clashes weakened the party during its time in the BN government,” a leader said.

With DAP holding the largest number of seats in the Dewan Rakyat among the unity government parties, the outcome of this election carries significant weight, as the party's internal stability is crucial to the cohesion of the ruling coalition.

However, political analysts believe that the contest will not have a direct impact on the overall stability of the unity government.

Professor James Chin from the University of Tasmania’s Asia Institute noted that DAP’s more relaxed approach in the current government, compared to its prominent role in the first Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration, reduces the likelihood of any immediate consequences.

Sunway University political scientist Professor Dr Wong Chin Huat agreed, highlighting that DAP is one of Malaysia’s most stable parties and unlikely to face any risk of a splinter faction emerging from the election.

“Beyond the cohesiveness that prevents splintering, DAP stands out with an emerging culture of generational renewal,” he said, referring to the party’s practice of leadership term limits.

All eyes will be on the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam, where 4,203 delegates from 1,650 branches across the country will vote today.

Some 70 candidates are vying for 30 seats on the CEC, with 15 female candidates also competing for the nine reserved positions for women.

The newly elected CEC members will have the power to co-opt an additional 10 members, who will then go on to elect the party's office bearers, including the secretary-general.

Key DAP figures in the running include Loke, Guan Eng, Gobind Singh Deo, Ramkarpal Singh, Nga Kor Ming, Chow Kon Yeow, Steven Sim, RSN Rayer, and Chong Chieng Jen.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, also the Pakatan Harapan chairman, is expected to attend the congress, along with other prominent PH leaders such as Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick. – March 16, 2025