‘Politics calls for robust debate and criticism, but this should never descend to personal and demeaning slurs.’
– Kim Beazley, Australian politician
Political leaders who overstay their welcome often face opposition because prolonged rule tends to create dissatisfaction and even internal plots to remove the leader.
It must be noted that political leadership is tied to public sentiment. Even if a leader starts strong, people eventually desire fresh perspectives. Political ideologies evolve, and younger generations seek representation that aligns with their concerns.
When reports of an imminent plot to oust DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng in the party’s elections next month surfaced recently, not many were surprised. After all, this is politics and internal party tussles are not uncommon.
If you were to inquire about the validity of the reports regarding certain factions within the DAP aiming to remove their chairman, I would suggest that where there is smoke, there may indeed be fire.
The next question is: Did Guan Eng overstay his welcome as a top leader in the DAP? The answer is “Yes”.
Guan Eng served as the DAP secretary-general for 17 years, from 2004 until 2022. In March 2022, he stepped down due to the party’s term limit regulations, which prevent individuals from holding the position for more than three terms.
Following his tenure as secretary-general, Guan Eng was appointed National Chairman of DAP in 2022.
It was several months ago that discussions emerged regarding Guan Eng’s continued leadership within the party. Recent reports suggest that internal factions and external influences are challenging his position as chairman
What was perhaps more hurtful and even disrespectful to Guan Eng and his father, Lim Kit Siang, was the talk ending the “Lim Dynasty” in the DAP.
The term “Lim Dynasty” within the DAP refers to the prominent political roles held by Kit Siang and Guan Eng over several decades.
The senior Lim, a founding member of DAP, has been a significant figure in Malaysian politics since the party’s inception in 1966. His son, Guan Eng, has also held key positions in the party for the past two decades.
Critics use the “Lim Dynasty” label to suggest that leadership within DAP is concentrated within the Lim family, implying nepotism or an undue familial influence over the party’s direction.
However, both father and son have refuted these claims. At a recent event honouring his father, Guan Eng addressed these accusations, highlighting that such claims were absent when he and his father faced imprisonment for their political activities. He emphasised the sacrifices made by his family in their commitment to the party and the nation.
Recent incidents suggest internal tensions within DAP that some interpret as challenges to the so-called “Lim Dynasty.” For instance, during a dinner event in Penang honouring Kit Siang, an associate of Guan Eng publicly criticised Penang DAP chief Steven Sim, leading to discussions about internal discord.
Additionally, reports have emerged about efforts within certain factions to diminish Guan Eng’s influence. A Penang grassroots leader mentioned attempts to ensure Guan Eng fares poorly in upcoming party elections, suggesting “externally controlled ‘deep state'” within DAP seeks to unseat him.
These developments indicate a growing debate within DAP about the direction of its leadership and whether Guan Eng’s prolonged tenure aligns with the party’s future objectives.
So, what now of the Lim Dynasty? Is it coming to an end after the party elections next month?
Well, does it matter anyway whether there is a Lim Dynasty or not? It seems that there is a groundswell opposition against Guan Eng within the party, so much so that the “Lim Dynasty” sounds like a dirty word.
That being the case, I do not see any more reason for Guan Eng to battle with his party comrades henceforth. What else is there for Guan Eng to fight for or to prove?
Guan Eng is 65; he has reached the pinnacle of his political career, having served as the Finance Minister of Malaysia and the Chief Minister of Penang.
Perhaps, some long-time friends or comrades of Guan Eng should seriously caution him on the folly of overstaying his welcome in politics.
The man must be reminded that political legitimacy relies on public trust and constitutional rules. When leaders overstay, they risk undermining their legitimacy, making them vulnerable to removal efforts. If leaders remain in office for too long, even loyal supporters may grow tired of their rule.
At 84, Kit Siang has officially retired from politics. If Guan Eng can read the writing on the wall, he should follow suit. This might save him further ridicule and embarrassment if he is given the boot by his party delegates in next month’s election.
As for the Lim Dynasty, Guan Eng can find comfort and consolation in that his younger sister, Lim Hui Ying, is still a federal deputy minister and the secretary of the Penang DAP.
The idea of Guan Eng stepping back from leadership to allow the “curtain to draw down on the Lim Dynasty” carries both strategic and sentimental significance.
If he were to do so, it could help him preserve his goodwill within DAP while allowing the party to move forward with fresh leadership.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
