DAP Election Delegates Warn of "One-Man Rule" as Lim Guan Eng Contest’s CEC
GEORGE TOWN: Five DAP election delegates, led by veteran member AR Krishnan, have called on national chairman Lim Guan Eng to withdraw from this Sunday’s central executive committee (CEC) contest, warning that the party is drifting towards a "one-man" rule.
Concentration of Power
The group has voiced concerns over the increasing concentration of power in the hands of a single leader. "The party is already becoming a one-man party. That is not the healthiest democracy for the DAP concept. We cannot allow the party to fall into a one-man ruling system," Krishnan told reporters.
Long-standing Concerns
Krishnan, a party stalwart for over 50 years, has repeatedly raised these concerns at past conventions, but they had "fallen on deaf ears." He has also accused the party’s top leadership of making unilateral decisions with little input from grassroots members. "There are so many complaints we have raised, but they won’t even give us a chance to talk. Everything they decide is final. There is no room for discussion," he said.
Concerns about Leadership
Krishnan has also expressed concerns about the party’s leadership structure, stating that it should be based on democratic principles, not individual dominance. "The party is not about one person. Leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege," he said.
Call for Change
He has urged incumbent CEC member RSN Rayer to withdraw from the contest, arguing that both Lim and Rayer have served long enough and should make way for younger leaders. "We cannot allow the party to continue to be led by the same group of people for so long," he said.
Indian Leaders’ Representation
Krishnan has also highlighted the lack of representation for Indian leaders within the party. "There is no platform for us. Indian leaders in DAP have no accountability to Indian members. How do we table our grassroots problems?" he asked.
Conclusion
The concerns raised by Krishnan and his group highlight the need for DAP to reassess its leadership structure and ensure that power is distributed more evenly. As the party gears up for its CEC contest, it is crucial that the leadership takes into account the views of all members and works towards building a more inclusive and democratic party.
FAQs
Q: What is the main concern raised by the DAP election delegates?
A: The main concern is the increasing concentration of power in the hands of a single leader, leading to a "one-man rule" in the party.
Q: How long has AR Krishnan been a party stalwart?
A: Over 50 years.
Q: What is the reason for the lack of representation for Indian leaders in the party?
A: According to Krishnan, Indian leaders have no accountability to Indian members, leaving them without a platform to raise their concerns.
Q: What is the group’s plan if Lim Guan Eng continues to contest the CEC election?
A: They will continue to voice their concerns but remain in the party.