KUALA LUMPUR – As DAP members prepare to vote in the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) election today, a senior party figure has suggested that leadership renewal, particularly the future of chairman Lim Guan Eng, will be a central issue in the polls.
Penang-based DAP veteran Datuk AR Krishnan, who is also a voting delegate, said Lim’s position as chairman is expected to be a focal point during internal discussions.
“The main (issue will be) leadership changes in the CEC. The issue is whether Lim is going to remain as chairman or not,” he told Scoop when contacted.
Krishnan also noted that the debates will revolve around the selection of leaders tasked with spearheading the party’s preparations for the next general election.
His remarks follow a recent press conference where he and four other delegates reportedly called for Lim to withdraw from the contest, warning that the party risks becoming a “one-man” organisation. He also accused DAP’s top leadership of making unilateral decisions with minimal grassroots involvement, as reported by Free Malaysia Today.
Questions surrounding Lim’s future have gained significant traction ahead of the CEC polls, with growing calls from within the party for a fresh face to take up the chairmanship.
Governance and voter outreach on the agenda
Meanwhile, former Klang MP Charles Santiago said governance issues will also be raised during the election debates, with delegates expected to scrutinise the extent to which DAP and Pakatan Harapan have delivered on their reform promises since joining the unity government in late 2022.
“PH went into government and made promises (to the people). How much of that has been realised by the government as we move towards the third year of governing?
“How many (promises) have we realised and what are the (next) plans? I think this will be debated,” he told Scoop.
Santiago added that discussions are also likely to touch on the controversial conditional discharge granted to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the reduced sentence for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in their respective corruption cases.
Additionally, Shah Alam DAP division chief Shakir Ameer said delegates will likely discuss maintaining ties with Umno.
He noted that while the two parties have enjoyed a stable working relationship, demonstrated by cooperation in recent state and by-elections, the topic will still be debated.
Shakir also highlighted the need for DAP to improve engagement with non-traditional voter bases, particularly Malay voters and younger Chinese voters who may be unfamiliar with the party’s history and struggles.
“So we have to find ways of reintroducing the struggle of DAP, (especially) the struggle of our past leaders and what we have gone through to be where we are right now – from a party that won just 10 to 15 seats in the past to one that plays a key role in ensuring the federal government remains stable and acts as a strong kingmaker with 40 parliamentary seats,” he said.
Shakir added that vernacular education would also be a topic of discussion at the CEC elections.
The election, taking place at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam, will see 70 candidates vying for positions in the 30-member CEC. A gender quota of 30% ensures that at least nine of those elected will be women.
More diplomacy, less confrontation
The three DAP leaders also expressed hope that the new CEC members would adopt a more democratic and consensus-driven approach, particularly as the party operates within the unity government.
Shakir acknowledged that while DAP has historically taken a combative stance in advocating issues, it must now adopt a more diplomatic approach, given the evolving political landscape.
“Disagreements will always be there in any administration, but we can’t be all that fiery like those days. There are certain things we can be fiery about. But when it comes to relationships with our allies, I don’t see any benefit in becoming fiery.
“Therefore, it is important that we always maintain diplomacy when it comes to engagement. This is 2025 politics. We have to move on with the times,” he said, adding that leaders who focus on racial and religious issues should not be elevated to the CEC.
Santiago echoed this view, stressing that a confrontational approach would not be beneficial for the party.
“You (DAP) are in a coalition government and you have to make sure that the government succeeds. Therefore, you have to give in some and then you have to take in some.
“But there are some things that you don’t compromise on, such as governance issues, transparency issues, and corruption issues. But the rest (of issues), you can give and take on broad policies,” he added.
Krishnan, meanwhile, called for greater internal democracy and transparency in decision-making, warning against a “one-man” leadership style. He urged the party to uphold its principles of free speech and allow members to voice concerns without fear of reprisal.
“Leaders can come and go. But the party’s principles must remain. The party must follow the democratic process and practise transparency,” he said.
The future of DAP in government
As DAP continues its transition from opposition party to government player, Shakir hopes it will maintain a strong policy-driven focus. He cited efforts by ministers such as Human Resources Minister Steven Sim and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming in championing workers’ rights and improving urban welfare.
Santiago, meanwhile, called for the party to prioritise pressing national issues, including the rising cost of living, food security, energy transition, and climate change, as these are increasingly important to young voters.
“The government as well as the party (DAP) have to take into consideration (these issues as they are the) demands of young people,” he said.
The outcome of tomorrow’s CEC election will set the tone for DAP’s leadership direction and strategy in the years ahead. – March 16, 2025