SEVERAL prominent leaders from the Democratic Action Party (DAP), including Vice-Chairman Teresa Kok, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, and party firebrand R.S.N. Rayer, suffered major setbacks in the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC) election, which concluded today.
These three individuals were among the most notable casualties, failing to secure a position in the 30-member CEC lineup.
Both Teresa Kok and Lim Hui Ying saw their hopes dashed as they failed to retain their seats in the CEC, securing only 1,331 and 1,573 votes, respectively.
In comparison, during the 17th party congress in 2022, Kok and Lim had ranked 4th and 15th in the CEC elections, but this year their standings were far below expectations.
Other significant figures who also failed to secure a place in the CEC included Lim Lip Eng, Member of Parliament for Kepong, former Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar, and Ketari Assemblyman Thomas Su Keong.
The loss of Teresa Kok, in particular, comes amid significant scrutiny regarding the ongoing investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Kok had previously suggested that the probe into her former officers might influence her ability to defend her seat.
This investigation revolves around allegations of inflated pricing for the purchase of LG-brand smartboards, and Kok had been blamed by certain party members for the issue.
"Previously, Kok had not ruled out the possibility that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigation against her former officers could affect her chances of defending her seat in the CEC as she was blamed by some of the party members on the issue," a statement on the matter noted.
The results of this CEC election mark a significant shift in DAP's internal dynamics, signaling a shift in power and the challenges faced by key figures within the party. With Kok, Lim, and Rayer all falling short of securing a place in the CEC, questions may be raised about the future direction of the party as it navigates its leadership and accountability. – March 16, 2025
