'DAP will not be bossed around by Umno' - Guan Eng tells Zahid

DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng has hit out at Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for implying that his time has passed as a politician.

With temperatures in the party rising ahead of its central executive committee (CEC) elections next week, Lim took to the stage and lambasted Ahmad Zahid and Umno, citing that: "I have been asked about Ahmad Zahid’s comments earlier this year that my time has passed and hinting that I am no longer part of the party’s leadership.

“Whether my time has passed will be determined by DAP members and not by the Umno President."

Lim said this at the DAP national veterans club dinner gathering last night.

Held also in conjunction with the 17th anniversary of DAP seizing control of the Penang government for the first time in 2008, Lim recalled the old days of struggle and urged the veterans to appreciate the deeds of the leaders of the past.

"I wish to pay tribute to the veteran members here to acknowledge your invaluable contributions to the party when DAP was in opposition. We remember veteran leaders like Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh, Chen Man Hin and all of you here who suffered, sacrificed and endured so much to allow DAP to succeed today."

This invincible spirit has helped shape the current party leadership in standing strong together not just to win elections but to ensure that DAP is united, independent and not bullied by any other political party, said Lim.

"DAP was never bossed around by Umno when we were in opposition and will not be bossed around when we are in government. I wish to remind Ahmad Zahid that DAP is in Pakatan Harapan (PH) and not Barisan Nasional (BN)."

Lim urged the veterans to come together to be the conscience of the party.

Meanwhile, party insiders shared that speculations have emerged that Lim may not be reappointed as party chairman and instead be asked to fill up the post of DAP adviser after its incumbent Tan Kok Wai decided to fully retire from politics.

Efforts are underway to mediate a compromise with Lim, who after the PH government was ousted in 2020 in the infamous "Sheraton Move," was left without a post.

He last held the Finance Minister's post from 2018 until 2020.

Lim's aggressive demeanour, is said to be overzealous and it has rattled other leaders, especially in Penang where he is alleged to have suffered a fallout with some, including Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, as well as state DAP strongman Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh. - March 9, 2025.