SHAH ALAM – Gobind Singh Deo has been appointed as the new DAP national chairman after emerging as the top vote-getter in the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) election, while Lim Guan Eng narrowly secured a place, placing 26th.
The election, held at the IDEAL Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam on Sunday (March 16), saw 65 candidates contesting for 30 leadership positions that will shape the party’s direction for the 2025–2028 term.
Official results were announced by DAP CEC election returning officer Desmond Tan, confirming that Gobind secured the highest number of votes with 2,785, followed by Chong Chieng Jen (2,631) and Teo Nie Ching (2,585).
Lim, a key figure in DAP and a former finance minister, garnered 1,719 votes, placing him near the bottom of the successful candidates. His performance comes amid speculation over efforts to reduce the Lim family’s influence within the party.
Earlier in the day, Lim said he would leave his fate in the hands of party delegates, emphasising DAP’s democratic process.
“It’s up to the delegates. Let them decide — they are the most important factor,” he told reporters at the congress.
He also dismissed speculation that he would withdraw from the contest, expressing confidence in the party’s voting process and the increase in voting delegates.
Meanwhile, Seremban MP Anthony Loke reinforced his standing in the party, securing 2,508 votes to place fifth in the CEC.
Notably, DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok and Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying failed to secure seats in the new CEC lineup.
Following the election, the newly appointed CEC convened to determine key leadership positions within the party.
Gobind was officially named the new DAP national chairman, taking over the role from Lim. Anthony Loke retained his position as secretary-general, while former vice-chairman Chow Kon Yeow was appointed deputy national chairman. Lim, meanwhile, was named the party’s adviser.
Among those re-elected to the CEC were four former vice-chairmen—Gobind Singh Deo, Chong Chieng Jen, Chow Kon Yeow, and Nga Kor Ming—as well as former deputy secretary-general Liew Chin Tong and former organising secretary Steven Sim Chee Keong.
Additionally, former assistant organising secretaries Khoo Poay Tiong and Ng Suee Lim, former publicity secretary Teo Nie Ching, and former assistant publicity secretary Hannah Yeoh secured spots in the CEC.
Other members elected include Yeo Bee Yin, Ng Sze Han, Chan Foong Hin, Wong Kah Woh, Vivian Wong Shir Yee, Lee Chin Chen, Alice Lau Kiong Yeing, Liow Cai Tung, Teo Kok Seong, Syahredzan Johan, Young Syefura Othman, Ramkarpal Singh, J Arul Kumar, P Kasturi, Howard Lee, Wong Shu Qi, Tan Hong Pin, and Ngeh Koo Ham.
The election was part of DAP’s 18th National Congress, where over 3,700 delegates cast their votes for the party’s leadership. – March 16, 2025