SHAH ALAM - The exclusion of prominent figures in DAP could be a step towards addressing the longstanding stigma and ensuring that DAP is seen as a more inclusive and institutionally-driven party rather than one centred around specific figures.
Universiti Teknologi Mara political analyst Dr Abdul Aziz Azizam described this move as a strategic attempt to reshape the party’s internal and external image.
"It is well known that DAP has long faced perceptions of being dominated by the Lim family’s legacy.
"By minimising the role of individuals closely associated with that narrative, the party may be attempting to reshape its internal and external image," he told Sinar Daily.
Abdul Aziz emphasised that this recalibration could be a game-changer in combating the stigma of familial dominance.
"This could be a step towards addressing the longstanding stigma and ensuring that DAP is seen as a more inclusive and institutionally-driven party rather than one centred around specific figures," he added.
Meanwhile, O2 Research chief researcher Anis Anwar Suhaimi said the exclusion of veteran leaders like Teresa Kok and Lim Hui Ying from DAP’s top 30 central executive committee (CEC) members highlighted the party’s internal evolution.
"Kok’s exclusion, despite her extensive political experience, suggests a preference among delegates for fresher faces who may resonate more with younger and diverse voter bases," Anis said.
Hui Ying’s exclusion, he said was even more significant, given her role as Deputy Finance Minister and her association with the Lim family.
"This could be an effort to distance the party from accusations of nepotism and entrenched familial dominance, thereby bolstering its reputation for meritocracy," Anis said.
While these changes could reflect a robust internal democracy, he cautioned about potential risks.
This move, he said may inadvertently fuel factional tensions if loyal supporters perceived it as sidelining veteran leaders purely for optics.
However, if managed well, the reshaping of the CEC could have significant advantages for the party, he added.
"By reducing the perception of nepotism and projecting a performance-based leadership, DAP could broaden its appeal across various demographics," he said.
Anis also noted that this transformation reflected deeper factional shifts within DAP, hinting at a strategic recalibration of power.
He added that this could signal a historic turning point for the party.
"If it strengthens internal unity and enhances voter appeal, it will solidify DAP’s legitimacy. On the other hand, if it fails to foster unity or broaden its voter base, it risks being seen as mere superficial realignment," he said.