Speaking at the youth wing convention here, he said he had always told DAP Youth leaders that “DAP Youth must continue to be given space to be the guardian and protector of the party’s struggles”.

Sim said he had refused instructions from senior party leaders to stop some DAP Youth members from participating in demonstrations and protests. “I told them that I can’t. I must give our youth members democratic space to carry out their idealism,” he said.

However, it was not easy for DAP to maintain its idealism in government, especially when it has to work with other component parties, said Sim, who is the minister for entrepreneur and cooperatives development in the federal Cabinet.

Sim said some election promises could not yet be implemented as DAP is part of the unity coalition government. “So how do we continue to keep our ideals? For me, our compass should be the party’s principles and values,” he said.

Sim also stressed the importance of hard work, especially for elected representatives, local councillors and village committee members. However, hard work did not automatically guarantee election victories, which could be secured by winning public trust.

“To win the people’s confidence and trust, DAP must remain principled. We must distinguish ourselves – our party, struggle and values – from our opponents,” he said.

Three missions for Penang DAP

Sim also outlined three missions entrusted to party members in the state.

The party must ensure that Penang remains at Malaysia’s economic forefront, and protects the diversity of identities within the state’s multiethnic and multireligious community.

“In Penang, there is freedom to practice one’s own culture, religion and language.

“Thirdly, Penang must be a state that shows compassion towards the oppressed,” he said.