COMMENT | At times, it’s really not that difficult for outsiders to read the succession plan of a political party, the DAP being a case in point.

In fact, for a relatively stable party like the DAP, it is fair to say that even as far back as three years ago – before the pandemic struck and before DAP had to postpone its delegates conference, a succession plan had been put in place.

That was made known to all party leaders who matter – the top leadership has to be “pre-arranged” for stability and continuity of purpose while further down the line, the delegates are allowed to decide.

The succession plan was executed to perfection last week. Lim Guan Eng stepped down as secretary-general and was replaced by Anthony Loke. Tan Kok Wai was replaced by Guan Eng as DAP chairperson. Gobind Singh Deo stayed put as deputy chairperson.