By Tee Boon Hock
THE ongoing contest in the DAP party national and state elections created a lot of heat but it is actually akin to the battle between David and Goliath.
Historically, incumbents will have an edge over the challengers as the former hold the rein of powers over the administration and a coterie of free loaders.
The chances of winning are almost zero. In the Old Testament, David was just a shepherd boy, a “lowly profession” of looking after sheep and his only weapon was a slingshot, used to protect his flock from marauding wolves. Meanwhile, Goliath is giant of a man, reputed to have slayed every opponent he encountered.
In the past party elections, Tan Koon Swan did beat Neo Yee Pan in MCA. Gerakan leader Datuk Seri Lim Keng Yaik did beat Paul Leong, whom Tun Lim Chong Eu himself anointed to be his successor. These past events will motivate grassroots to triumph in the coming party elections.
In DAP’s case, “David” here represents grassroot leaders while “Goliath” refers to the party elites. Contrary to popular belief, the grassroots did evolve from the lower strata of society but today, many of them are educated professionals who believe in core values of DAP – fighting for equality as per Article 8 of the Federal Constitution and be the voice of the marginalised and downtrodden proletariats.
It is unfortunate that DAP today has metamorphosised into a feudalistic party of elitists, only thinking of seizing power and pandering to the whims and fancies of the third coming of their Great Leader.
However, we need MPs, state assemblypersons and councillors to be on the ground, not those that espouse lofty ideals and values on Facebook or other social media sites alone.
It is the duty of every right-thinking DAP patriot to step forward to vote wisely. Let us return DAP to its founding ideals and not merely for the elitists to continue enjoying the 3Ps (power, position and perks of office).
The elitists love 3Ps but short on delivery and performance, which had disappointed the grassroots.
Soldier on comrades. – April 29, 2021.
Tee Boon Hock is Selangor DAP state assistant organising secretary.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
