VETERAN Democratic Action Party (DAP) leader Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang has urged the party to intensify and sustain its reform efforts, warning that any loss of momentum could fuel public cynicism towards the unity government’s agenda.
In his first major public appearance in three years, Lim cautioned that failure to push reforms forward decisively could result in perceptions of “reformasi mati” or “dead reforms”, instead of the transformative changes promised by the current administration.
Delivering a keynote address at the party’s 60th anniversary celebrations at Dewan Ng Yam Huat in Bukit Mertajam, the 85-year-old founding figure reflected on DAP’s long political journey since its formation in 1966.
“When we formed DAP on March 18, 1966, we didn’t expect this… to be a major political player. We just continued with our struggles despite the losses. We haven’t achieved everything but at least we have a base now to work from – to expand our notion of a Malaysian Malaysia concept,” he said.
Lim, who has retired from active politics after more than six decades of involvement, was assisted onto the stage as he addressed party members and supporters, but spoke with clarity on the need for continued political commitment to national unity and reform.
The event drew around 500 attendees and featured speeches from several senior party leaders, including DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook, party chairman Gobind Singh Deo, deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming, adviser Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, and Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim Chee Keong.
Loke said the party must maintain its governing position in Penang to ensure the successful delivery of key infrastructure projects, including the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the expansion of the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas.
He described Penang as a crucial platform for DAP to demonstrate its governance model.
“Penang is important because this is the state that DAP can showcase its political messaging of diversity, multi-culturalism and progression,” he said.
He added that the LRT project, expected to be completed by 2031, would be a major driver of economic growth while easing traffic congestion and improving mobility across the state.
Loke also said the party must begin strengthening its political machinery ahead of the next general election as voter expectations continue to rise.
Lim Guan Eng echoed his father’s call for reforms, saying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim requires strong political support to ensure that reform initiatives are implemented effectively and reach the public more quickly.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the state as the “crown jewel” of DAP, stressing that it must continue to be governed with integrity and strong leadership.
Gobind Singh Deo paid tribute to past leaders, including Lim and his late father, former party chairman Datuk Seri Karpal Singh, highlighting their sacrifices in building the party’s foundation.
Nga Kor Ming highlighted the achievements of the Housing and Local Government Ministry under DAP leadership, saying the party has demonstrated a strong record of delivery.
He said RM200 million had been allocated for non-Muslim places of worship, while 2,570 new village development projects had been completed and RM15 million set aside for Indian community neighbourhoods.
He also noted the establishment of the Jejak programme in 300 locations to strengthen engagement between local authorities and residents, alongside the completion of 15,082 public amenities and the integration of anti-corruption measures in local governance.
Nga added that Malaysia’s property sector recorded RM241.9 billion in transactions in 2025, marking its strongest performance in a decade.
He said 511,544 affordable housing units had been delivered and 1,501 abandoned housing projects revived, benefiting about 176,000 homebuyers, with a gross development value of RM140.9 billion.
“These are not just promises. These are real results that impact people’s lives,” he said.
Steven Sim, meanwhile, urged party leaders to engage more directly with communities on the ground to counter misinformation spread by political opponents and to strengthen public trust in the party’s message. - April 19, 2026
