SHAH ALAM - As the DAP central executive committee's (CEC) election draws near, veteran party member and former Klang MP Charles Santiago has called on Lim Guan Eng to relinquish his leadership role and make way for younger leaders to take charge.
Santiago said after nearly 24 years in top positions within the party, it was time for Lim to step aside for the greater good of both the party and the country.
"Lim Guan Eng has been the secretary-general for almost 18 years, followed by six more years as chairman. That’s nearly a quarter of a century in leadership.
"The party needs fresh ideas and the country needs to move forward," he told Sinar Daily.
Santiago stressed the importance of empowering younger leaders to steer the party towards renewed relevance and vigor.
He pointed out that Lim’s influence, particularly in Penang, has waned significantly in recent years, which he saw as a signal for change.
"You can see his influence in Penang has dropped quite a bit and in the rest of the country as well," he said adding that the party must evolve and leadership renewal was essential for that to happen.
Santiago also said this was not the first time calls for the former finance minister's resignation have surfaced.
He said a similar discussion took place during the previous CEC election, where senior members politely urged Lim to step down. However, Lim opted to remain in his role.
"Now there’s another attempt. The younger team is asking him to step down. Not to leave entirely, but to take on a mentor role within the CWC (central working committee).
"He could remain an influential figure without holding the chairman position, similar to how former Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew served as a mentor minister after stepping down as Prime Minister," he said.
He made the comment amid growing dissatisfaction within DAP’s ranks over Lim’s prolonged tenure and perceived resistance to change.
While the party remained committed to democratic principles, internal frustrations over Lim's leadership style and influence have surfaced.
It was reported that DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has been actively holding private discussions with Lim, encouraging the latter to step aside from contesting the chairman post.
Loke’s efforts were believed to be aimed at reducing internal tensions and ensuring a smoother transition of leadership.