A New Dawn for DAP: Loke, Gobind, and Nga to Reshape the Party
PETALING JAYA: The Democratic Action Party (DAP) has sent a clear message to its delegates, signaling a desire to shift away from the dominance of senior members in leadership roles. The poor performance of outgoing DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng, who ranked 26th in the party’s 30-member central executive committee (CEC), reflects a push by younger leaders to transform the party.
The Shift in Leadership
Party insiders suggest that Guan Eng’s appointment as advisor was a respectful way to ease him out of the chairman’s role and also honours his father Kit Siang’s lifelong dedication and sacrifices to building the party. Guan Eng will no longer be in the five-man committee that selects electoral candidates and negotiates with component parties for seats, with Gobind Singh Deo taking on this role.
A New Era for DAP
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago believes that without Guan Eng in the mainstream, Loke Siew Fook, Gobind Singh Deo, and Nga Kor Ming can focus on their executive leaders without interference, projecting the party as a multi-racial party that will start listening to the people on the ground. This could lead to a more amicable and acceptable party, especially to the Malays.
Challenges Ahead
The new team faces significant challenges, including winning back the support of a large number of Indian voters who have lost faith in the party, as well as contending with the loss of some Chinese support and an increasing number of Malay voters who perceive the party to be a Chinese party. However, the election of four Indians and two Malay members into the CEC gives hope for a new DAP.
Conclusion
The outcome of DAP’s party election has sent a clear message that the party is willing to move away from its "street fighting" political style and towards a more inclusive and multi-racial approach. With Loke, Gobind, and Nga at the helm, the party has a unique opportunity to reshape its image and appeal to a broader audience.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of Lim Guan Eng’s poor performance in the CEC election?
A: It reflects a push by younger leaders to transform the party and shift away from the dominance of senior members in leadership roles.
Q: What is the role of Gobind Singh Deo in the new CEC?
A: He will be part of the five-man committee that selects electoral candidates and negotiates with component parties for seats.
Q: What are the challenges facing the new team?
A: Winning back the support of Indian voters, contending with the loss of Chinese support, and addressing the perception of the party as a Chinese party among Malay voters.