The Chinese are still in the Chinese New Year mood although this is already the ninth day of the new year.

For candidates preparing to contest in the Democratic Action Party (DAP) elections, this is the perfect time to celebrate Chinese New Year and meet party members, especially those eligible to vote.

The DAP central executive election, scheduled to be held in March, is expected to be fiercely contested.

The main focus will be on the “Lim family” which has been in control of the party’s leadership for years, with the spotlight on party chairman Lim Guan Eng.

The “Lim family” has been at the core of DAP’s central leadership and multiple state leaderships for many years.

Even though Kit Siang has retired after the last party election and Guan Eng transitioned to the chairman position due to term limits whereby his influence has been clipped, the “Lim family” remains deeply rooted.

Under normal circumstances, they should have no problem in this party election. After all, Guan Eng has held key positions such as Penang Chief Minister, Minister of Finance, and DAP’s top leader.

He was also a key figure in the rise of Pakatan Harapan coalition to power.

However, the Penang DAP election results last September have changed the dynamics.

The outcome dealt a heavy blow to Guan Eng’s faction, as the “Lim family” was no longer the preferred choice among Penang party members.

The Lim faction was almost entirely wiped out, except Hui Ying, the only Lim faction leader and Kit Siang’s daughter, who retained the state secretary position and barely passed the preliminary round of voting.

With the “Lim family” gradually losing its grip, voices within DAP grassroots have begun calling for Guan Eng’s removal in the March central executive elections.

In response, both Guan Eng and Hui Ying recently acknowledged that this election will determine whether the “Lim family era” is coming to an end.

Hui Ying even bluntly stated: “If the grassroots or the people no longer need the Lim family, we are ready to step down.”

Datuk Teng Chang Khim, a former DAP central executive committee member, wrote two consecutive posts on X (formerly Twitter) before Chinese New Year, arguing these concerns were not baseless.

Even if Guan Eng successfully wins a seat in the March party election, the political influence of “Lim family” is undeniably waning.

Teng wrote in his post that while “sending off the god” (a metaphor for removing leadership figures) may be satisfying, the current leadership lacks sufficient strength, prestige, and achievements to intimidate or counter political opponents.

He warned that neither the Chinese nor non-Chinese communities, even factions within the party, see them as having enough wisdom and influence.

He further argued that removing key figures now would accelerate DAP’s decline and eventual demise.

Given the current situation, he suggested postponing the “sending off”.

Teng urged DAP members to be cautious about the current political landscape. He emphasised that the party must endure the pain of a drastic leadership transition, which has led to the present dilemma.

Additionally, he advised party leaders to be more open to embracing different opinions, stating that although the “god” in DAP may be difficult to deal with, those in power must broaden their mindset, accommodate dissenting voices, leverage strengths, and discard weaknesses – all in the interest of the nation and society.

Although Teng did not mention names, it is widely understood whom he was referring to.

Teng could not see eye-to-eye with Guan Eng in DAP. However, his recent warning to postpone the removal of key figures for the sake of the bigger picture might cause delegates who had planned to challenge Guan Eng to reconsider.

The deciding factor will ultimately be the stance of Loke Siew Fook and Nga Kor Ming.

Although Loke is only the Negeri Sembilan chairman, he wields great power as the DAP secretary-general. His strong performance in office has established him as a formidable force.

Meanwhile, Nga has firm control over Perak, a major vote bank, and enjoys support in other states, too.

If Loke and Nga combine their influences, they could significantly sway the outcome of this party election – including determining the fate of the “Lim family”.

Having lost its Penang stronghold, the “Lim family” can no longer dictate its own destiny and now relies on external support to maintain its political standing.

That said, based on DAP’s culture and tradition, it is unlikely that Loke and Nga would completely eliminate the “Lim family”.

They will probably ensure that Guan Eng survives the preliminary election, but whether they will back him to continue as chairman in the final vote remains uncertain.

As for Hui Ying, retaining her central executive committee seat seems even more doubtful.

The question of whether Guan Eng’s era has ended, as suggested by Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, will be decided by DAP delegates.

However, compared to DAP ministers, deputy ministers and state executive councillors who remain silent on sensitive issues, Guan Eng – who is outspoken but without a government post, is likely to gain grassroots support.

Furthermore, attacks from Umno and opposition parties against him could unintentionally serve as campaign boosts, securing him additional votes.

Nonetheless, even if Guan Eng successfully wins a seat in the March party election, the political influence of “Lim family” is undeniably waning.

The new leadership line-up formed in this election will present a fresh face as DAP prepares for the next general election.