DAP expected to emerge stronger with younger line-up

POLITICAL scientists see DAP emerging stronger after its central executive committee (CEC) election which saw its strongman Lim Guan Eng lose ground after only managing to finish 26 out of the 30 elected CEC positions.

Also, for the first time in over a decade, outspoken leaders such as Seputeh MP Teresa Kok Suh Sim, Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer, as well as Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng were ousted from the CEC line up.

University of Tasmania - based political scientist Prof James Chin said DAP is seen to be stronger after the CEC election because of its ability to unveil a younger and fresher line.

He said showcasing of younger delegates is a testament to any party's renewal process so it can stay relevant in the ever changing and demanding political climate.

DAP has appeal to the younger lot, who like this concept of reform and reset, said Chin.

But he also echoed concerns that Malaysians generally have short memories as attested by former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed over the lack of gratitude to senior political figures.

Alluding to the downslide of Lim, despite serving the party diligently for several decades and becoming the "face" of championing issues close to the heart of the Chinese community, Chin said that it is not an outright rejection of Lim per se.

"It is just that Malaysians have short memories and they cannot recall the deeds and sacrifices of yesteryear figures."

It remains to be seen if the younger DAP leaders have similar fortitude like Lim to champion issues which had endeared them to the non-Muslim electorate in the first place, said Chin.

His counterpart - Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian from Universiti Sains Malaysia, said that the new line-up headed by two-term secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook, is a combination of what DAP sees as the future.

"They (DAP) want to enhance its position within the party and at the national (Madani) government."

Loke gave a hint that he wants a line up for the betterment and future of DAP to suit the current political eco-system.

"I guess this is the line up to work closely under the government and with the DAP ministers. The party can check and balance from within the party and its government positions."

DAP veteran Jeffery Chew Gim Eam said that he was pleasantly surprised to see many young DAP delegates and it augurs well for the party's future, provided the young are willing to understand and learn from history. - March 18, 2025.