If it had been a mixed martial arts match, Gobind Singh Deo would have run to the corner of the octagon, jumped on top of the fence, pumped his fists in the air, and shouted, “Comeback is real, baby!”
While the Ideal Convention Centre in Shah Alam didn’t have the pomp and fare of a ONE Championship competition, the DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) election held yesterday had its fair share of drama – one that included Gobind’s comeback.
Exactly four months ago, Gobind was handed a beating. He exited as Selangor DAP chairman after failing to secure a spot in the top 15. That result shocked many, including Gobind himself.
While one would have expected a Conor McGregor-esq approach – flooding social media with talk and bravado ahead of a massive fight – Gobind kept himself under the radar in the run-up to the CEC.
So much so, that he escaped the spotlight. Much had been said and written about Lim Guan Eng, Anthony Loke, Steven Sim, and Nga Kor Ming. Whispers cautioned that Gobind could very well receive another beating, given his family’s ties with Lim, who was fighting for survival. Some anticipated that Gobind would be given the national chairman position as a way of thanking him for his service while the new regime slowly took shape within the party.
Yet, last night, Gobind stole the thunder by amassing 2,785 votes, topping the list. Loke was placed fifth with 2,508 votes, Sim obtained 2,262 votes, while Nga got 2,215 votes.
Right after the author posted the top 30 results on X last night, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s former press secretary, Datuk Endie Shazlie Akbar, reposted, saying: “YB Gobind should be sec-gen!”
YB Gobind should be sec-gen! https://t.co/3kXGWPFrpu
— Endie (@The_Endie) March 16, 2025
Gobind replaced Lim as DAP national chairman, while Loke remained as secretary-general – the most powerful position in the party.
Lim came in 26th with 1,719 votes. At the press conference, he insisted that the night belonged to Loke.
True, Loke and his team will have plenty to do as Malaysia braces for a possible general election next year. Among them is ensuring DAP continues to attract support from the grassroots. That includes speaking up on issues that affect the common man and woman on the street. Its ‘partnership’ with Umno will also be tested.
But as for Gobind, the convincing win and the trust placed upon him in being made the national chairman cement his role and influence in the party. He now returns to the Digital Ministry with renewed vigour and motivation.
From setting up a brand-new ministry to flipping his odds in the party, Gobind has chalked up a pretty impressive résumé. His CEC victory was certainly a great way to mark the beginning of the Sikh New Year (March 14).
The pressure is on, and those close to Gobind know the celebration is over as he now prepares for the next fight – GE16.
