Dynasty within the DAP? Chin Tong debunks it

DAP deputy secretary general Liew Chin Tong debunked the notion of dynasty and divisions within the party as the DAP is set to decide on its new set of leaders in the upcoming party polls.

“I don’t think we sound like a dynasty. I came from nowhere — I sold lottery tickets as a kid. Anthony Loke’s father runs a restaurant. Wong Kah Woh’s father was a hawker. We came from very ordinary backgrounds, we took part in the party, we learned along the way, and we worked with peers,” said Liew Chin Tong.

“So, the DAP in terms of the background of the leaders, I think we are more egalitarian compared to anyone else. This generation of leaders, in particular, came from nowhere. But most importantly, I think the party structure is very open.

“There’s no single position. You don’t elect one person. You basically elect 30 leaders and these 30 leaders will have to work with everyone.

“The Secretary-General of the DAP is not the president of the party. He has to convince the majority of the 30 members to continue leading, and I think this is a good feature that keeps the party coherent and united.

Chin Tong was speaking on BFM’s The Breakfast Grille host Philip See yesterday.

Divisions in the DAP

He also denied that there are divisions within the party in this polls.

“There are no major divisions within the DAP. There may be differences in personality, but the DAP electoral system is such that it is like a parliamentary system. You don’t just elect the Secretary-General; you elect 30 Central Committee members, and there is space for everyone.”

When asked about personalities that may lead to divisions, Chin Tong pointed out that the DAP has been successful in managing generational shifts and key personalities intact.

“This party, as far as I can see, has been quite successful in managing generational shifts and has been able to keep key personalities of each generation under one roof.

“You have Kit Siang’s generation. You have Guan Eng’s generation, who are now in their 60s. You have Anthony’s generation—we are in either early 50s or late 40s, who have been in this movement for the last 20 to 25 years. And we also have a generation in their 30s, many of them are elected.

“So, I think this party is unique in a way, partly thanks to Kit Siang’s unifying role, we have four generations of leaders and many elected personalities compared to when I started. Of course, there may be some differences in opinions and personalities, which is natural in any political party or even big organisation.

“But the strength of this party is that it has four generations of people. You can see the fourth generation of the party, while most of them are not yet in leading positions, they are already in elected positions, you can already see those who are in their 30s and they are emerging.

“So, I am quite okay with, as far as the long-term structure, sustainability, and resilience of the party. I think we are quite in a good place.”

DAP’s CEC elections will be held on March 16 in conjunction with DAP’s 18th National Congress.

A total of 30 candidates will contest for positions on the committee.