Ditch the Charade and Cut to the Chase

Speculation about Outside Forces

Speculation that outside forces are using proxies in DAP to ensure that Lim Guan Eng does not make it to the top 30 places in polls next month may have an unexpected effect of helping rather than hindering the incumbent party chairman.

The Top 30 and Leadership Selection

From the top 30 place holders, the party selects its principal office-bearers. It’s unthinkable that an incumbent chairman, especially one of Lim’s stature, would be unable to retain a lofty position in the top 30.

Fading Star

However, signs have grown over the past several months that Lim’s star is on the wane in the party, stemming from popular distaste over his disagreements with Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, followed by smoldering tensions with Steven Sim, Chow’s designated successor after the next general election.

Behind the Scenes

Reportedly, secretary-general Loke Siew Fook and deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming are behind the move to marginalize the contentious Lim. Loke has denied the story, opting for cover in tired, old clichés of sending Chinese New Year greetings to party cadres when explaining widely disseminated photos of him and Nga posing together, exuding CNY fraternity.

Factional Battles

Factional battles are endemic to democratic party politics. In fact, it is a sign of the health of the body politic. So, why hide behind meaningless clichés meant to beguile supporters away from what’s the real score within the party? Why try to paper over healthy divisions by trotting out clichés on unity when they serve no purpose except to mislead?

The Real Score

DAP, after soft-pedaling their frustrations about the government in these last 27 months, should want to be open about matters within their party. For the better part of four decades, Lim has been in the upper echelons of the DAP leadership. He has suffered to espouse their cause and deserves respect for that. But if he cannot transition to elderly statesmanship in preference to jousting with Chow and settling scores with Sim, he will make a nuisance of himself.

Outside Forces

However, word that outside forces want a compliant DAP to one that has stormy petrel Lim in its central working committee may redound to saving the chairman’s bacon. That speculation apart, DAP must be imaginative in finding ways to ease their ageing leadership cohort into productive retirement. That it can do by resisting the easy temptation of soft-pedaling issues within the party instead of being candid about them.

Candour and Unity

This candor will go some ways towards dispelling the charade of unity that passes for overall leadership of the unity government. Ditch the charade and cut to the chase.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the speculation about outside forces and the machinations within DAP are a sign of the party’s internal struggles. The party must be open and honest about these issues rather than trying to hide behind clichés. This will allow them to move forward and find a more productive path.

Frequently Asked Questions

* What is the speculation about outside forces in DAP?
Outside forces are allegedly using proxies in DAP to ensure Lim Guan Eng does not make it to the top 30 places in polls next month.
* Who are the key players in this drama?
Lim Guan Eng, Loke Siew Fook, and Nga Kor Ming are the key players in this drama.
* What is the purpose of the article?
The article is calling for DAP to be open and honest about the issues within the party, rather than trying to hide behind clichés.