High time for generational change in political party leadership, says expert

SHAH ALAM - It is high time for a generational change in political party leadership, with a strong need for fresh perspectives and a renewed vision, particularly within Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Political analyst James Chin stressed the importance of a generational shift within PH to reinvigorate its approach to governance and offer Malaysians a new vision for the future.

Chin urged Amanah to build on DAP's example by promoting younger leaders.

"Amanah held their elections last year, but that doesn’t mean they can’t elevate the younger ones. They have an opportunity to reshape their leadership and reflect the aspirations of Malaysia’s youths," he told Sinar Daily.

Speaking about PH parties, Chin noted the ongoing challenges in fostering younger leadership.

"Will the DAP polls affect the upcoming PKR elections? The answer is probably no. I'm hoping that there will be a generational change in PH because it's quite clear that this will not happen in Barisan Nasional or Perikatan Nasional.

"Especially in Pas, where its president Tan Sri Hadi Awang has held power for more than 20 years and there's no way he can be removed," Chin said.

Chin further emphasised the need for PH to lead by example and urged Amanah to adapt the similar changes.

He said PH was supposed to offer itself a new vision for Malaysia and one way to ensure this was through a generational change in leadership.

This change, he said should extend beyond DAP to other PH parties like Amanah, which held elections last year.

"Even so, they can still promote younger leaders within their ranks," he added.

Chin said the recent DAP central executive committee election showcased a significant generational shift.

He said about half of the top 30 elected leaders joined or became prominent after 2008 or 2018.

"These were the two big waves that brought in figures like Tony Pua, Hannah Yeoh and Steven Sim," he said.

He said this phenomenon stood in contrast to other parties where younger leaders often faced prolonged waits before moving up the hierarchy.

Chin described the shift in DAP as the emergence of a "third generation" of leaders who brought fresh perspectives to the party.

Gobind Singh Deo’s rise as the party's chairman, following his strong showing in the elections, Chin said was seen as both symbolic and strategic.

"This could be a nod to his father’s (the late Karpal Singh) legacy as chairman and a way to strengthen support among the Indian community, especially as DAP faces increasing competition from PKR for Indian votes," he said when contacted.

He said DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke also solidified his position with calls for significant reforms.

While many delegates had likely made their decisions before his speech, Chin said it reinforced their confidence in their choices

The election results also highlighted the growing strength of East Malaysia in DAP’s leadership, he added.

He said leaders from Sabah and Sarawak secured high ranks, with key figures placing at second, ninth, 12th and 16th positions.

"This is a strong boost for the party’s presence in the Borneo region and bodes well for its long-term growth," Chin said.