PETALLING JAYA: Despite losing the DAP leadership position, it would be premature to write off Lim Guan Eng, according to an analyst who suggested that the BaganMP might make a resurgence should the party face challenges during the upcoming general election (GE).

James Chin from the University of Tasmania asserts that historical evidence shows the enduring presence of the Lim family in Malaysian politics.

Lim Kit Siang, who served as Guan Eng’s father, dominated the Democratic Action Party (DAP) scene for over fifty years, with Guan Eng significantly contributing to the party’s expansion and achievements.

“It’s premature to dismiss him just yet. The Lim family has experienced both highs and lows since the 1980s,” Chin said to FMT.

Chin suggests that DAP’s showing in the upcoming national elections will play a crucial role in deciding if Guan Eng can reclaim a significant leadership position.

If DAP performs poorly, the members might say: ‘Look, reforms didn’t work out, so perhaps we should bring back the previous leaders.’

Chin stated that DAP’s primary measure of success for the upcoming general election will not just be holding onto its current 40 seats, but also capturing additional ones, with the ultimate aim of enabling Pakatan Harapan to maintain control over Putrajaya.

If these objectives aren’t met, it might cause party members to doubt the present leadership, he warned.

They would mention, ‘We offered opportunities to new arrivals, but clearly it isn’t succeeding.’

Ronnie Liu, once a key figure in DAP, thinks that Lim’s position within the party will hinge on how the present leadership, led by Secretary-General Loke Siew Fook, navigates its connections with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and fellow ministers.

Liu mentioned that a strong showing would restrict Guan Eng’s capability to overshadow Loke.

If however DAP faces difficulties within PH — similar to how MCA, Gerakan, and MIC struggled in the past within Barisan Nasional — Lim might gain more relevance, he noted.

“Interestingly, LGE took over my position during Mahathir’s 22-month tenure,” stated Liu, alluding to his assertive approach when the first Pakatan Harapan government was in power.

Liu likewise highlighted the increasing discontent amongst DAP rank-and-file members and backers.

DAP’s base members and supporters are currently expressing frustration over how silent their party leadership has been amidst the widespread influence and uncontrolled activities of extreme elements. Should this continue, Guan Eng might step into play a part.

Nevertheless, he admitted that Guan Eng encounters various individual hurdles, notably the current corruption case related to the Penang underwater tunnel project. Additionally, he mentioned that it would be challenging for Guan Eng to voice his opinions publicly since he is not the party chairperson anymore.

Will Guan Eng follow in his father’s footsteps?

Ex-Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming thinks that Lim Guan Eng’s inclusion in the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) indicates he still wields significant power within the organization.

The reality that Guan Eng secured sufficient votes for entry into the CEC indicates that he continues to have an important part to play within the party.

He pointed out that various high-ranking DAP leaders, including Tan Kok Wai and Fong Kui Lun, chose not to participate in the CEC elections. Additionally, some prominent figures like Teresa Kok were unsuccessful in securing seats within the election.

According to Ong, this underscored Lim’s significance as an advisor to help mentor newer leaders in understanding Malaysia’s changing political environment.

Nevertheless, Ong doubted if Lim would assume the position of a statesman.

“It remains unclear whether he will agree to take on the role of a statesman, akin to how Lim Kit Siang functioned as part of the CEC without holding any official posts.”

Ong mentioned that Guan Eng’s political journey has been marked by his “tenacious spirit,” particularly in opposing former prime ministers Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Najib Razak, as well as the Barisan Nasional, PAS, and Perikatan Nasional parties.

On several occasions, Guan Eng has had disagreements with leaders within his own party.

Can he transform this ‘fighting spirit’ into a more strategic and deliberate approach to aid the young DAP leadership in bolstering both the party and the nation? The response to this query will play a crucial role in defining the political heritage that Lim Guan Eng leaves behind.