The impending trial of Lim Guan Eng on two corruption charges has sparked a new round of talks among DAP leaders on the transition plan to identify a leader to succeed him as the party's secretary-general.

Such talks were initially due to Guan Eng’s tenure as secretary-general, which is due to expire at the coming national congress that is slated to be held at the end of this year.

The party constitution stipulates that Guan Eng, who assumed office in 2004, should step down at the 2016 party election, after three terms in office.

The two counts of corruption charges filed against him last Thursday have brought about another round of discussion on the transition plan, including on who should succeed him as the next Penang chief minister.

A party source claimed that they have discussed the transition plan informally, even before Guan Eng, who will turn 56 in December, was dragged to court last week.

Another source confirmed that the leaders had renewed their discussions after he was charged.

"We spoke about it privately when we met, or discussed it through telephone conversations."

"As much as we believe he is innocent, many leaders are of the view that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak will not let him off the hook easily. He may end up in jail," the leader said on condition of anonymity.

"Thus, the issues now are who will replace Guan Eng as CM and as secretary-general.

"We are not worried about the candidate for the chief minister post, as we have ruled Penang for a second term and we have few leaders who can take over," he said, adding that the cordial working relationship in the state government would ensure a smooth transition.

However, the source was quite concerned about the party's new secretary-general as the potential candidates are younger and lack the experience compared with Guan Eng, who got involved in politics while in his 20s.

The possible candidates for the secretary-general post are party's organising secretary Anthony Loke (photo), publicity secretary Tony Pua and political education director Liew Chin Tong.

"They are younger than Guan Eng, at least by a decade. Pua, for example, only joined the party 10 years ago," said the source.

'A new face, instead of a veteran'

While complaining that the candidates may be lacking in experience, he said the leaders still preferred a new face, instead of a veteran.

They also feel that the next secretary-general and chief minister could be two different persons, he added.

"It is now the court's standard operating procedure (SOP) to wrap up a case within nine months. I believe the case can drag on, for up to 18 months (after the two-tier appeals)," he said.

The source also claimed that some leaders believe the transition should take place before the possible conviction of Guan Eng to ensure smooth operation in the party and state government.

Loke is said to be the compromise figure among the trio, as he is accepted by the different factions in the party.

It is learnt that besides the mainstream faction led by Guan Eng and DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, a few states, such as Selangor, Johor, Perak and Pahang, have their own factions.

There is also speculation that Loke will be fielded in Penang to pave the way for him to be the next chief minister after the general election.

Kit Siang moving back to Penang?

There were further talks about Kit Siang moving back to Penang to weather the storm caused by the protest from local leaders.

However, the party veteran declined to comment on this and the succession plan.

"I wouldn't say a single word," Kit Siang (photo) said, curtly.

Loke responded: "I deny it outright. I never thought of it and this is not what I have wished.

"The party's central executive committee (CEC) decided last Friday that Guan Eng continues as chief minister and secretary-general. We have yet to discuss about Guan Eng's successor. It is too premature to talk about it.

"Of course, as a political party we will continue to assess the situation. We need to monitor closely the development and decide how we are going to deal with it."

Loke said the CEC needed to decide, at its next meeting, on whether to postpone the party election for the maximum of 18 months.

"If CEC decides to postpone the party election, then it means Guan Eng will continue to lead the party (for another 18 months)," said Loke, who is also Seremban MP.

He added that DAP would decide on the date to hold the next party election after taking into consideration Guan Eng's trial, the possibility of Najib calling a snap general election, as well as other political developments.

Loke said it was too early to talk about him as a candidate for the secretary-general post.

However, Pua is of the opinion that Loke is the best leader to replace Guan Eng.

"I've previously expressed my opinion that Loke will be the most suitable candidate to be the next secretary-general," Pua responded in a text message.

Liew said the party should not be talking about the transition plan now.

"I feel that we should not discuss about it, as it will fall into Najib's agenda. They plan to split the party and Penang (state government)," he said.

The trio were asked to respond as they are seen as leaders who can lead the party.