Faction in DAP wants to oust Guan Eng as leader, says party insider

Faction in DAP wants to oust Guan Eng as leader, says party insider

PETALING JAYA: A “concerted push” is taking place to oust Lim Guan Eng from his leadership position in DAP, a party insider said, but this was not the workings of a so-called “deep state”.

On Monday, party veteran S Neelamekan claimed outside forces were looking to dislodge Lim from his position while another source said a more “moderate” leader was being sought in a bid to attract Malay voters.

However, the party insider claims the sentiment against Lim, a former two-term Penang chief minister, has been building for years, with members particularly frustrated by his open rebuke of incumbent Chow Kon Yeow.

“There is no deep state and no attempt to overthrow the old guard.

“But there is a genuine movement to remove him,” said the party insider from Penang, who asked not to be named.

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DAP party elections are set to be held on March 16.

The insider also said party members have expressed concern over the Lim family’s continued grip on the party, with sister Hui Ying currently Penang DAP’s secretary.

They warn that the party’s core values are at risk.

“Leaders must be chosen based on merit,” said the insider.

Lim is also viewed as a “growing liability”, the insider added, with party veterans concerned that the two ongoing corruption cases he is facing “may hurt DAP’s public image”.

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The insider said veteran members accept that Lim and his father Kit Siang have both sacrificed much for the party’s cause.

“Yes, Guan Eng and Kit Siang went to jail (defending the party’s ideals), but that doesn’t mean you can overstay your welcome.

“You (Lim) have had two terms as chief minister, many years as MP, and Kit has already been recognised with Tan Sri and Dato’ Seri titles,” said the insider.

The insider said Lim’s detractors do not want him to serve another term as party chairman, as that would place him in a powerful five-man committee that approves election

FMT has reached out to Lim for comment.

However, Lunas DAP branch chief Neelamekan questioned the timing of the accusations.

“Why wasn’t this said at the last convention?” he said.

“In the DAP, the only person speaking out is Guan Eng. He is a stumbling block for the top government leaders to do as they wish. The only check-and-balance is Guan Eng. Who else talks in DAP?”

“The ‘nepotism’ claim is just an excuse by this group,” said Neelamekan.

He also claimed the court cases brought against Lim were politically motivated.

“Even his lawyer, Gobind Singh Deo, has said there was clear evidence of a frameup to fix up Guan Eng by suppressing and fabricating evidence,” he said.

Neelamekan called for party members to retain Lim as chairman.

“He is not a simple leader we can let go (of). Give him another term,” he said.