DAP shoring up unity, Indian support with CEC picks, says analyst
DAP leaders Lim Hui Ying and V Sivakumar, ousted at its March polls, have now been appointed to sit on the party's central executive committee.
PETALING JAYA : DAP's decision to appoint Lim Hui Ying and V Sivakumar to its central executive committee (CEC) appears to be an effort to close ranks and boost Indian representation in the party, says an analyst.
James Chin of the University of Tasmania said both appointments had been expected, explaining that Sivakumar's selection reflected a push for ethnic diversity within the party.
'Sivakumar was appointed because they want to increase the non-Chinese voices, especially Indian voices, so that's okay.
'He is also a long-term DAP grassroots leader. It's good that he's there to provide an Indian balance,' he told FMT.
Chin said Lim's appointment signalled a mending of ties with the Lim family, following earlier criticism over their perceived dominance within the party.
'The party (appeared to) turn hard against the Lim family (during the CEC elections), so I think this is the party sending a signal they don't want to fight the Lim family.
'Hence, they allow two Lims to be in the CEC. It's very much a sort of a peace offering,' he said.
Hui Ying's elder brother, former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng, was elected to the CEC at the polls.
Akademi Nusantara's Azmi Hassan said Hui Ying's appointment may also be about allowing her to retain her position as deputy education minister. He said it would be hard to justify her place in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Cabinet otherwise.
'So, just to justify her presence as deputy minister, she is appointed to the CEC,' he said.
Azmi said Sivakumar's inclusion could raise questions, given that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission had investigated the human resources ministry during his tenure as minister.
'The stigma of being investigated by MACC makes it difficult to justify Sivakumar's appointment' he said.
In April 2023, Sivakumar rejected calls to resign or go on leave after MACC questioned him twice over alleged corruption in foreign worker recruitment.
Three of his aides were remanded but later released.
Sivakumar subsequently sacked five aides.
Lim and Sivakumar were among the 10 appointed to the CEC earlier this week. Both contested during the CEC elections in March, but failed to secure enough votes.
The others are Kelvin Yii, V Papparaidu, M Thulsi Thivani, Chen Kah Eng, Yeoh Soon Hin, Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, Yap Yee Vonne and Wu Him Ven.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Zahid: Orang Asli land law amendments in final stages, to be tabled in 2026
PUTRAJAYA, July 1 — The drafting of amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), which involves matters relating to land ownership among the Orang Asli community, is now in its final stages, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. 'Insya-Allah, it will be finalised by September at the latest and tabled in Parliament in March 2026," said Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, during the ministry's monthly assembly here today. In March, Ahmad Zahid said that the proposed amendments aim to improve several key areas affecting the Orang Asli, including land issues, infrastructure, education, housing and economic development. He said the Act is set to be amended for the first time in over 70 years, with several aspects under consideration, particularly concerning land or roaming areas, due to disputes between the Orang Asli community, private landowners and state governments. The last amendment to Act 134 was made in 1967, and the Act was reviewed in 1974. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid also called for the expansion of high-impact agricultural initiatives through the Agrotek Wilayah project under the Central Terengganu Development Authority (Ketengah). He said the smart farming approach for fertigation chili cultivation has the potential to increase national productivity and income levels. 'So far, 16,000 polybags have been planted across four acres of land by four participants. I believe, with proper guidance and appropriate technology, this project has the potential to produce 96,000 kilogrammes of chili with an estimated annual revenue of RM576,000,' he said. In addition, Ahmad Zahid urged Ketengah to spearhead the transformation of Kenyir Lake tourism through the Desa Kirana initiative and position it as an iconic destination contributing to the success of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 'I also want Kolej Ketengah to move beyond borders and work closely with the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) to enhance the expertise of its instructors, especially in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), so that the quality of education and training can be raised to a higher level,' he added. Ketengah, a statutory body under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW), has been in operation for 52 years and has spent RM1.7 billion during that time to implement various programmes and projects aimed at regional development and improving community well-being. — Bernama
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
New border agency chief Mohd Shuhaily pledges to strengthen Malaysia's frontline defences
PUTRAJAYA, July 1 — Newly appointed Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general, Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, has pledged to strengthen the agency and ensure its relevance in line with the government's direction to enhance national border control. Mohd Shuhaily, who officially began his duties today, said he had met with the Home Ministry secretary-general, Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, who outlined his mandate, particularly on the administrative affairs of AKPS. 'Insya-Allah, my task is to ensure that AKPS becomes visible and operational in a tangible way soon. 'This includes ensuring that AKPS makes an impact on the community, as envisioned by the government,' he told reporters after a welcoming ceremony held in conjunction with his appointment at the AKPS headquarters here today. Earlier, Mohd Shuhaily was greeted by AKPS deputy director-general (Management) Ismail Mokhtar and deputy director-general (Operations) Mohd Jasmi Mohd Juwahir. Yesterday, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu announced Mohd Shuhaily's appointment as AKPS director-general for a two-year term, effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. Mohd Shuhaily, 53, holds a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations from the International Islamic University Malaysia and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He previously served as Police Attaché in Washington, United States, from 2010 to 2013 and was appointed Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) at Bukit Aman on Aug 15, 2023. AKPS was officially established on Oct 17, 2024 and its first director-general was Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali. As the country's single border agency, AKPS consolidates expertise and resources from various government departments to coordinate operations at all national entry points. — Bernama
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Anwar leaves for Rome to begin week-long working trip in Italy, France and Brazil
SEPANG: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has left for Italy on the first leg of his week-long visit which includes Paris and Rio de Janeiro. The Italian visit, Anwar's first as Prime Minister, is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with the European nation. The Prime Minister and his entourage left via the Bukit Raya Complex in Sepang in a chartered flight. Anwar is set to meet captains of industry from 36 Italian firms, including multinational companies such as Leonardo SpA, STMicroelectronics and Ferrero during his maiden working visit. Malaysian Ambassador to Italy Datuk Zahid Rastam said the meeting will take place during the Malaysia-Italy Economic Partnership Roundtable on July 2. 'In addition to the 36 Italian companies and several industry associations here, Malaysian companies accompanying the Prime Minister will also be in attendance,' he said in a virtual briefing ahead of the three-day working visit. Leonardo specialises in aerospace, defence and security, STMicroelectronics is a semiconductor company, while Ferrero is one of the world's largest sweet-packaged food companies. All three MNCs have a significant presence in Malaysia. Italy is the third-largest national economy in the European Union (EU) and the world's eighth-largest by gross domestic product (GDP). Its economy accounts for about 12 per cent of the EU's GDP. Besides the business meeting, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, is also set to discuss bilateral cooperation on trade, investment, defence, agro-commodity and digital economy with his counterpart Giorgia Meloni. Anwar's visit is at the invitation of Meloni. They are also expected to touch on the Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA). The Prime Minister will be accompanied by five Cabinet ministers - Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Khaled Nordin, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. Also part of the delegation is Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
