Lim Guan Eng sets record straight on Mahathir's claims of DAP's lack of control

6 March 2023

By Farah Salim

KUALA LUMPUR: DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng has hit back at former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's claim that DAP could not control him during his time in power.

In a report by Free Malaysia Today, Mahathir mentioned that as a Prime Minister, he had more power compared to DAP.

In a series of tweets, Lim refuted Mahathir's statement and shared his side of the story.

Lim emphasised that it was customary for Cabinet Ministers to inform the Prime Minister of any proposed reforms, but if the Prime Minister objected, the Minister could appeal to the Cabinet for approval.

"This was precisely what I did three times during my tenure as Finance Minister," he said.

The DAP leader listed the three initiatives he managed to secure Cabinet approval for despite Mahathir's objections: annual MPs allocations of RM 3.8 million to government MPs, a review of government contracts granted by direct award without open tender, and an 18 per cent reduction of the PLUS toll highway as a step towards abolishing tolls.

Lim revealed that Mahathir had threatened to sack him for defying him on these initiatives.

"I was prepared to be axed but continued to pursue these reform initiatives that benefited the people. Mahathir did not carry out his threat. Instead, he resigned on his own accord in February 2020.

"We must always prioritize the needs and interests of the rakyat (people)," he said.

"As politicians, our duty is to serve them, not our own egos or interests,” he added.