Pertelingkahan Lim-Sim tak memuncak sebelum KM P Pinang diganti, kata penganalisis

Political analysts predict that the open exchange between DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng and Pulau Pinang Pengerusi Steven Sim will intensify further before a decision is made on the upcoming Pinang chief minister election, though it will not reach its peak. James Chin from the University of Tasmania notes that the rivalry between these two long-standing party leaders will likely continue as the issue of political succession remains a key concern, with Sim being one of the main contenders for the next chief minister position.

Chin states, "The dispute will become more pronounced before a new chief minister is announced." However, the conflict is unlikely to reach its peak due to the absence of a party election in the near future. Pinang's current Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow, has served two terms and is barred from holding the position for a third term, meaning the role will become vacant following the upcoming primary resolution nomination (PRN).

In recent days, Lim accused Sim of allowing personal attacks against him and his daughter, Lim Hui Ying, who serves as the deputy minister for women, family and community development. Lim blames Sim's subordinate, Teng Chang Khim, who heads SME Corp Malaysia, for focusing more on criticizing DAP leaders rather than addressing key issues such as the minimum wage and funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Lim asserts that Sim should not allow such hostile attacks to persist. Earlier, Lim criticized the government's decision to continue implementing the RM2,000 minimum wage for foreign workers while mandating that both employers and foreign workers contribute 2% to the Workers' Provident Fund (KWSP). He argues that this move will increase costs for small and medium enterprises.

Two weeks ago, Sim, who also serves as the minister for small business and cooperatives, stated that the government agreed to exempt smaller businesses from the minimum wage increase for now. University of Malaya political sociologist Awang Azman Pawi suggests that Lim may try to regain his influence within the DAP, though his motives remain unclear.

Awang notes that Lim's experience as a party adviser and former general secretary are still valuable assets, but his political power now increasingly depends on his ability to produce practical solutions rather than relying solely on seniority. Awang advises that Sim, as the serving minister, should demonstrate leadership through concrete results rather than open confrontation.

He warns that personal attacks can undermine the credibility of both leaders and divert attention away from more fundamental issues. Awang emphasizes that accusations against individuals linked to Sim should not automatically link them to the minister. "The general public generally expects ministers to focus on governance, economic challenges, and foundational tasks, rather than getting entangled in prolonged internal disputes," he says.

Awang believes Lim's criticism will be more credible if supported by economic evidence and practical alternatives, while Sim can showcase political maturity by addressing foundational concerns without turning the dispute into a personal one.