Lim was initially considered a protégé of Chiam See Tong, the SDA leader from 2001 to 2011, until they had a falling-out, which led to Chiam and the SPP withdrawing from the SDA. Widely seen in opposition circles as a friendly person who is pleasant to talk to, Lim is also known for his willingness to attempt new methods of campaigning and has described himself as "dedicated and determined". When he was campaigning during the 2013 by-election, he was scorned for his poor diction in the videos of his speeches he had posted online.
