DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng said yesterday (March 8) that his future in the party will be determined by party members and not Umno.

Lim said that he had been asked about remarks made earlier this year by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid had suggested that Lim’s time had passed, hinting that he was no longer part of the party’s leadership.

“Whether my time has passed will be determined by DAP members and not by the Umno president.

“DAP was never dictated to by Umno when we were in opposition, and will not be dictated to when we are in government.

“I wish to remind Zahid that DAP is in Pakatan Harapan and not in Barisan Nasional.”

He said this at the DAP National Veterans Club dinner at Holiday Inn in Bukit Mertajam.

Rumours have been rife about attempts to limit Lim’s influence in next week’s DAP party election.

Lim said even though many veteran leaders had retired, they could still play a role by being a voice of conscience for the party as well as being a conduit of public opinion on government policies.

“I once again wish to thank our veteran members for never giving up on DAP.

“Because you never gave up on DAP, Malaysia can hope for a better future,” he added.

Earlier this year, Zahid had urged Lim not to undermine unity government parties with his remarks about a rally supporting former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Zahid said this in response to a question about Lim’s criticism of Umno for joining hands with Pas on the rally for Najib.

“I do not need to comment as that is his personal opinion.

“His time has passed, and he should trust the DAP leadership instead of causing disruption or undermining any of the partners in the unity government.”