KUALA LUMPUR — The question of dynastic influence in Malaysian politics is one that continues to surface, and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has not escaped scrutiny.
Despite long-standing perceptions that the party is controlled by powerful political families, DAP leaders have firmly insisted that merit and contributions are the cornerstone of their leadership structure.
Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan addressed these concerns in a recent appearance on the Trick Lama podcast, hosted by Big Boom Media Group editor-in-chief Terence Fernandez. He was joined by co-hosts group chief executive Datuk Zainul Arifin and Head of Podcasting Shazmin Shamsuddin.
During the discussion, Syahredzan sought to clear up misconceptions about the dominance of legacy figures within the party’s ranks.
“People often look at the late Karpal Singh’s sons, Gobind Singh and Ramkarpal Singh, or other leaders from prominent political families, and assume their positions are solely because of their lineage,” Syahredzan remarked.
“That is not the case. These leaders are in their positions based on merit and the contributions they have made to the party.”
Asked about the losses of “dynastic candidates” in the party polls where Gobind Singh lost in the Selangor DAP elections, Lim Guan Eng narrowly made it in the national elections, while his sister Hui Ying didn’t make it at all, Syahredzan had this to say:
“This shows that our members vote based on the person’s contribution, not their family background.”
He further emphasised that leadership positions within the party are earned through personal achievements.
“I would not agree to say that these people are there because of who their fathers are. They are there because of what they have achieved, and the membership recognises that. No one can deny the fact that Gobind, Guan Eng, and Ramkarpal have actually contributed to the party,” Syahredzan said.
The Bangi MP also highlighted DAP’s commitment to balancing experienced leaders with fresh talent.
“Right now, our secretary-general’s (Anthony Loke Siew Fook) father is not a prominent DAP leader, but he has risen through the ranks because of his own merit. We need a mix of veterans and new faces to support the party, especially as we are now in government,” he added.
Addressing the broader perception of dynastic control within DAP, Syahredzan reiterated that the party’s internal election process ensures that meritocracy remains at the forefront.
“Our members will not elect leaders simply because of their family background. They will do it because they feel that the person has contributed meaningfully to the party and can make a difference moving forward,” he concluded. – January 31, 2026