Lim Guan Eng

Lim Guan Eng is married to Betty Chew Gek Cheng, a Malaysian Chinese politician from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) who is also the State Assemblywoman for Kota Laksamana in Melaka. The couple has four children.

Lim Guan Eng was born on 8 December 1960, to Lim Kit Siang and Neo Yoke Tee, in Johor Bahru, Johor, Federation of Malaya (now Malaysia). His father is also a prominent politician, the leader of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), the largest multiracial opposition party in Malaysia.

He received his early education from La Salle Primary English School in Petaling Jaya and later shifted to the Batu Pahat Montfort Primary English School. After that he was enrolled at the Batu Pahat High School and Malacca High School.

He studied economics at the Monash University, Australia from where he earned a bachelor’s degree in the subject. He then studied accounting and was a qualified professional accountant by 1983. During his university years, he also served as the president of MUISS (Monash University International Student Society).

After completing his education Lim Guan Eng embarked into a corporate career. He had always been interested in politics though for several years he focused on his banking job, eventually rising to the post of a senior executive in a bank.

His career in politics began in 1986 when he was elected as a member of parliament from Kota Melaka after defeating former Malaysian football captain Soh Chin Aun with a majority of 17,606 votes. He was re-elected in the subsequent 1990 and 1995 general elections.

He was detained under the Internal Security Act in Operation Lalang in October 1987. Several other politicians and activists were also detained along with him though he was the first to be detained and last to be released.

In 1990, he was elected as DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) chairman. In 1995, he was elected as the DAP Deputy Secretary-General.

In 1995 he was charged under Section 4(1) (b) of the Sedition Act 1948 for causing 'disaffection with the administration of justice in Malaysia'. This was in response to his public criticism of the government’s handling of a rape accusation made against the former Chief Minister of Malacca, Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik, and the alleged detention of the victim by the Malaysian police.

Under his leadership, the Penang state government launched the concept of Competency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT) in governance. His administration also aims to turn Penang into a cleaner, greener and safer state. As the Chief Minister he has also successfully controlled corruption and has brought about significant economic development.