Guan Eng can take over if Kit Siang retires

But one academic points out that Kit Siang does not hold any elected posts in the party, making his retirement moot anyway

(FMT) – DAP will likely be led by Lim Guan Eng in the event its parliamentary leader and revered elder Lim Kit Siang exits the party after 30 years, a panel of political analysts and party grassroots polled by FMT said yesterday.

The political observers were mostly of the view that Guan Eng, who is secretary-general, is naturally the right person to take over.

Some also suggested other top people who are also fit to fill Kit Siang’s role as “de facto chief”.

The straw poll follows Kit Siang’s “consideration” to retire from the party and other appointed posts after questions over DAP’s legality were raised.

The prime minister’s press secretary, Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad, had said DAP members had lodged complaints with the Registrar of Societies regarding serious irregularities and unfair treatment in the party elections.

Political and social analyst Prof Shamsul Amri Baharuddin said Guan Eng was a suitable choice to take over but felt DAP’s nine-term Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw had strong grassroots support.

“Dr Tan is popular with the grassroots but not with the new young and elitist DAP leaders, handpicked by Kit Siang such as Tony Pua, Teresa Kok and Liew Chin Tong.

“I can only see Guan Eng as the most suitable candidate to take over as leader,” said Shamsul, who is Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute of Ethnic Studies director.

Independent economist Prof Hoo Ke Ping, however, felt current acting national chairman Tan Kok Wai was the best fit for the job as he has over 30 years’ of experience.

Hoo said the premise of “taking over” Kit Siang’s role was non-existent as he was only a party elder who held no elected post. Kit Siang is currently the party’s parliamentary leader.

“How come Kit Siang is still around after all these years? The natural successor (to be elected by the party) is Tan Kok Wai but that is to be decided by the party’s central executive committee.

“Hence, there is no such thing as succeeding Kit Siang. It is a moot question as he has no elected position in the party,” Hoo said.

Universiti Sains Malaysia Assoc Prof Sivamurugan Pandian felt it would be impossible to replace Kit Siang.

He said his son, Guan Eng, was “close”, but is still not like him.

Sivamurugan said the replacement ought to match Kit Siang’s experience, along with his leadership values and charismatic traits as well.

“Eventually, the closest person there is, is Guan Eng.

“The acceptance level within and outside the party may vary but their thoughts are almost the same. Like father, like son.”

Guan Eng is naturally a successor to Kit Siang, political analyst Khoo Kay Peng said, since Lim junior was already current DAP secretary-general.

“Also, it would maintain continuity. Kit Siang is the most influential figure in DAP. I cannot see him fade away completely.”

Khoo said even if Kit Siang leaves, his aura and presence will live on in the form of Guan Eng.

“Kit Siang will be like the party’s adviser, just like Dr Chen Man Hin. He will still campaign,” he added. Chen is currently DAP’s “life adviser”.

DAP grassroots leader P David Marshel said acting chairman Tan should be the successor in the event Kit Siang retires.

“However, it is my hope that the party faces the coming general election with Kit Siang. We still need him around. He has struggled so much for the party.”

Satees Muniandy, another grassroots leader, said Kit Siang need not retire or leave as he is a party adviser.

Kit Siang, 76, is three-time opposition leader of Parliament and has been touted as Southeast Asia’s longest-serving opposition parliamentary leader by political scientist Dr Bridget Welsh.