Lim Family Era Will Step Down If No Longer Needed Says Hui Ying

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Despite Lim Hui Ying carrying the responsibility of the deputy finance minister, she acknowledged that she is often recognised as the “daughter of Lim Kit Siang” and the “sister of Lim Guan Eng.”
Regarding the weight and aura of being in the shadow of her father and brother, Lim Hui Ying candidly admitted that in her younger years, she was sensitive to being referred to as “Lim Guan Eng’s sister”. However, as she grew older, she learned to accept it calmly and respond to it with humour.
Reflecting on how the fame of Kit Siang and Guan Eng has affected her personally, she admitted that no matter where she goes or what path her political journey takes, she will always be known as Guan Eng’s sister and Kit Siang’s daughter.
She noted that as Kit Siang gradually withdraws from politics, younger generations are less familiar with his name. However, with Guan Eng still active in the political arena, she often hears herself being referred to as “Lim Guan Eng’s sister” when she visits her federal constituency of Tanjong, on the east coast of Penang Island.
(L-R) DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, DAP national chairperson Lim Guan Eng, and Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui YingRecalling fond memories from the past, Hui Ying shared that when she was younger, she was quite sensitive to being called “Lim Guan Eng’s sister”, especially when he is an MP.
“When people called me Lim Guan Eng’s sister, I would immediately retort that I am Lim Kit Siang’s daughter. I used to care a lot about that,” she said.
“Now, when I visit my constituency and hear someone say I am Lim Guan Eng’s sister, I am happy to say, ‘Yes, I am his sister’, and I don’t correct them by saying I am the deputy finance minister,” she added with a smile.
She also views this connection as a privilege and a reflection of her family’s contributions to Malaysia’s political landscape.
“It is a tremendous privilege to be Kit Siang’s daughter.
“After all, not everyone gets to be Kit Siang’s daughter. He only has two daughters and Guan Eng only has two sisters,” she said.
While acknowledging the honour of being part of her family, she also noted that it comes with its share of pressure. However, she added that she is capable of managing it.
Her own approach
As she expresses pride in her family’s political legacy, Hui Ying highlights her distinct approach.
She explained that she does not consciously follow the style of her father or brother and prefers to forge her own path.
“I prefer a more low-profile approach, focusing on doing what needs to be done,” she added.
She shared her views on the “Lim family” label during Chinese New Year visits to Chinese newspapers Oriental Daily News and Kwong Wah Yit Poh separately with Penang DAP chairperson Steven Sim.
Hui Ying also emphasised that the presence of the “Lim family” in politics exists solely because of the DAP and its supporters.
In the media interview, she said individuals cannot exist independently of their political party and that the party takes precedence over any individual.
“The Lim family exists because of the DAP,” she said.
She told Kwong Wah that the continuation or end of the “Lim family era” lies entirely in the hands of the party’s grassroots and voters.
“If one day, the voters and the party no longer need the ‘Lim family’, we are prepared to step down,” she said.
‘Have the right mindset’
She elaborated that decisions regarding her family’s role in politics operate on two levels:
“At the party level, it is for the grassroots to decide. At the national level, it is for the voters to determine. If party representatives and voters believe our service is no longer needed, we are ready to step aside.”
Lim stressed that all politicians must have the humility to step down when the time comes, even if it is emotionally challenging.
“Every politician must have the right mindset. When it’s time to step down, we must accept it.”
Earlier this month, Guan Eng criticised Umno’s plans for a joint rally with opposition party PAS to show solidarity for Najib Abdul Razak.
This prompted Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to rebuke the DAP chairperson, calling him to respect the current DAP leadership and stating that “his time has passed”.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim later intervened, pledging to mediate differences among coalition parties to maintain harmony in the federal government.
‘DAP is always a team’
In the interview with Oriental Daily, Hui Ying pointed out that in the past, some political leaders stood out due to their strong personalities and distinctive styles.
Such leaders could attract support based on personal appeal alone, even contesting as independents and winning elections without the backing of a political party.
“But can that still work today? Voters’ mindsets have matured, and most now vote for political parties rather than individuals,” she said.
“For us, it’s not about the individual. Without the DAP, we wouldn’t exist. If the party representatives think it’s time for you to step down, you must be willing to accept it.”
When asked about internal factions within the DAP, Lim likened it to the dynamics within a family, where disagreements are inevitable. Similarly, she noted that every political party has factions or members who support certain leaders, which she considers completely normal.
“When there are two people in an office, there’s bound to be politics. Imagine a party with tens of thousands of members – how could there not be factions? So, having differing opinions is normal.”
However, she stressed the importance of unity when addressing external matters.
Hui Ying reiterated that internal differences of opinion are acceptable, but when facing the public, the DAP must present itself as a united front.
“When it comes to external issues, the DAP is always a team,” she said. - Mkini

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