In a surprising turn of events during the Democratic Action Party's (DAP) triennial election held on March 16, veteran politician Lim Guan Eng faced a significant setback, losing his long-held chairmanship role. Instead, he has been transitioned to the position of national adviser, raising questions about the future influence of the Lim family within Malaysia’s largest ruling coalition party.

Lim, who previously occupied the chairmanship since 2022, garnered 1,719 votes, landing him in 26th place out of 70 candidates competing for a spot on the 30-member central executive committee (CEC). This drop from his previous ranking of eighth in 2022 has been viewed as a blow to his political stature.

The newly appointed chairman of the DAP, Gobind Singh Deo, who also serves as Malaysia’s Digital Minister, will lead the party for the next three years. Transport Minister Anthony Loke continues to serve as secretary-general, demonstrating a blend of continuity and change within the party’s leadership.

The election, held in Shah Alam, saw an impressive participation rate, with 79% of the 4,203 delegates casting their votes. Despite the shift in Lim’s role, Loke highlighted that the delegates still hold respect for Lim’s contributions. In 2008, Lim’s leadership was pivotal in securing a significant electoral victory that led to the DAP forming the government in Penang, where he served as chief minister.

Lim expressed his gratitude towards delegates who supported him, emphasizing the importance of unity under the guidance of Anthony Loke. “My future in the party hinges on the members’ support and not on outside opinions,” he stated.

The internal shifts come at a time when Lim faced criticism for his remarks regarding ally Umno’s plans to host a rally supporting former Prime Minister Najib Razak amid the infamous 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal. The DAP, which now holds five full Cabinet minister positions and six deputy minister roles in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition government, must navigate its identity—whether to uphold its fierce opposition spirit or to work collaboratively within the government.

Historically, the Lim family has been a formidable presence within the DAP, led by Lim Kit Siang, a founding member and a key figure in the party until his retirement from active politics at 84. Lim Guan Eng, aged 64, remains a significant voice, albeit now in an advisory capacity following his diminished electoral influence.

This shift also follows a tough internal challenge, where Lim’s faction faced disappointment in the recent Penang DAP elections, securing only two seats out of 15 for his preferred candidates. Despite these challenges, Dr. Phoon Wing Keong from the Huayan Policy Institute recognized Lim's ability to preserve his dignity and continuing presence in the party’s leadership framework.

As Malaysia’s political landscape continues to evolve, the DAP must balance tradition and progress, ensuring it remains relevant and influential in the years to come. Only time will tell whether Lim Guan Eng will impact the party's trajectory from his new advisory role, as he navigates this significant transition.