Down but not out: Guan Eng could still make a comeback, says analyst

 

Lim Guan Eng has played a pivotal role in DAP’s growth and success over several decades.

PETALING JAYA: 

Although he has lost the DAP chairmanship, it is too soon to count out Lim Guan Eng, an analyst said, suggesting that the Bagan MP could stage a comeback if the party struggles in the next general election (GE).

James Chin of the University of Tasmania argues that history has demonstrated the resilience of the Lim family in Malaysian politics.

Lim Kit Siang, Guan Eng’s father, was a dominant force in DAP for more than five decades, and Guan Eng himself has played a pivotal role in the party’s growth and success.

James Chin.

“It’s too early to write him off. The Lim family has had its ups and downs since the 1980s,” Chin told FMT.

According to Chin, DAP’s performance in the next nationwide polls will be the key factor in determining whether Guan Eng will regain a prominent leadership role.

“If DAP does badly, then the membership will say: ‘See, reform won’t work, so maybe we need the old leadership back.’”

Chin said DAP’s key performance indicator (KPI) for the next general election would not be merely retaining its 40 seats, but securing new ones, and ideally helping Pakatan Harapan cling to Putrajaya.

Failure to achieve these goals could lead to members questioning the party’s current leadership, he said.

“They would say: ‘We gave newcomers a chance, but obviously it’s not working’.”

Ronnie Liu.

Former DAP strongman Ronnie Liu believes Lim’s role in the party will depend on how the current leadership, under secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, manages its relationship with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other Cabinet colleagues.

Liu said a good performance would limit Guan Eng’s ability to outshine Loke.

However, if DAP were to struggle within PH – like the MCA, Gerakan and MIC did in the past in Barisan Nasional – Lim could become more relevant, he said.

“Ironically, LGE was playing my role under Mahathir’s 22-month rule,” said Liu, referring to his own outspoken stance during the first Pakatan Harapan administration.

Liu also noted the growing dissatisfaction among DAP grassroots and supporters.

“DAP grassroots and party supporters are now saying the party leaders are too quiet at a time when extremists’ views and actions of radicals are rampant and unchecked. If the situation persists, Guan Eng would have a role.”

However, he acknowledged that Guan Eng faces several personal challenges, particularly his ongoing Penang undersea tunnel project corruption trial. He also said it would be difficult for Guan Eng to speak up now as he was no longer the party chairman.

Will Guan Eng follow in his father’s footsteps?

Former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming believes Guan Eng’s election into the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) signals that he still holds influence within the party.

Ong Kian Ming.

“The fact that Guan Eng won enough votes to get into the CEC shows that he still has a role to play in the party.”

He also noted that several senior DAP leaders, such as Tan Kok Wai and Fong Kui Lun, did not contest the CEC elections, while others, like Teresa Kok, failed to get elected.

This, according to Ong, highlighted Lim’s importance as an adviser to guide younger leaders in navigating Malaysia’s evolving political landscape.

However, Ong questioned whether Lim would embrace the role of statesman.

“Whether or not he is willing to play the role of statesman — similar to the role played by Lim Kit Siang when he was part of the CEC but didn’t hold any positions — remains to be seen.”

Ong said Guan Eng’s political career has been defined by his “fighting spirit”, especially against former prime ministers Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Najib Razak, Barisan Nasional, PAS and Perikatan Nasional.

Guan Eng had on various occasions clashed with his own party leaders.

“Can he channel this ‘fighting spirit’ to one that is more strategic and thoughtful, to help the younger generation of DAP leaders strengthen the party and the country? The answer to this question will be important in shaping the political legacy which Guan Eng leaves behind.” - FMT