Kit Siang Believed Out Of Dap Race To Balance Power

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Lim Guan Eng (left) with his father Kit Siang at the elder Lim’s 81st birthday dinner last month. The two Lims have held the post of DAP secretary-general in turn for the past 48 years. (Facebook pic)PETALING JAYA: ‘Heavy’ negotiations involving top DAP leaders ahead of the party’s annual congress tomorrow are likely to result in Lim Kit Siang declining to contest for a seat in the powerful central executive committee (CEC), party sources say.
His withdrawal is seen as paving the way for his son Guan Eng to be eventually elected party chairman, as he has to relinquish the post of secretary-general after having served the maximum three terms.
Kit Siang, who has been a CEC member for 58 years, is expected to announce his withdrawal from the race at the congress tomorrow. Delegates are to elect 30 new central committee members who will in turn choose the main executive committee.
The elder Lim is currently the party’s adviser and it is not clear what position he will hold after tomorrow’s meeting, but the party stalwart remains a powerful figure as most party members respect him for the sacrifices he has made to keep the party intact.
One source said Kit Siang’s move is designed to ensure Guan Eng continues to play an important role in DAP, more so with a general election looming, at a time when support for the party has dwindled as reflected in the Johor, Melaka and Sarawak state elections.
“Guan Eng has been DAP secretary-general since 2004 and the party is seen to be still in need of his steady hand and firm leadership,” said one source.
When he relinquishes the post, he will lose the executive powers entrusted to the secretary-general under the party constitution. Being just 62 and having sacrificed his liberty for his party’s struggle, it is not going to be easy for him.
“Obviously, the party still needs him. So it is very likely that Guan Eng will be voted in as the chairman, a post in which he can remain influential in some ways,” said the source.
As chairman, Guan Eng would be a member of the five-man committee that decides on the candidates for the general election. The committee is headed by the secretary-general.
“Kit Siang apparently met DAP national organising secretary Loke Siew Fook, who is touted to be elected as the new secretary-general, a few days ago. The successful CEC candidates are expected to elect Loke as most party members seem to be in favour of him,” he said.
One party insider said this leadership transition is crucial for the party as it could see a “tectonic shift” in the power concentration of the party which had seen Kit Siang and Guan Eng holding the secretary-general’s post for a total of 48 years between them.
“Obviously, the party may see a new direction whichever way it goes,” he said.
FMT has reached out to Kit Siang for comment. - FMT

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