PETALING JAYA: A party special congress on July 12 will be held by the DAP to decide whether its leaders should resign from all government posts while continuing to support the unity government in Parliament, says party secretary-general Anthony Loke.
According to Sin Chew Daily, more than 4,000 central delegates are expected to vote on the move, which is the first time such a major political decision will be referred to the party’s highest decision-making body rather than determined solely by its Central Executive Committee (CEC).
DAP, which has been part of the unity government for three years, has drawn mixed public evaluation.
The party suffered a heavy setback in the November Sabah state election, prompting a six-month reform period and a reassessment of its role in the ruling coalition.
The congress will decide whether DAP leaders should relinquish posts as ministers, deputy ministers, state executive councillors, local councillors and members of government-linked companies, or maintain the status quo.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke described the meeting as an internal “referendum”, stressing that even if delegates vote for resignation, DAP’s 40 MPs would continue backing the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim until the next general election.
“Our 40 MPs will ensure the government’s stability. Whether we continue serving as ministers and deputy ministers, or resign from all posts, including local councils and government-linked companies, will be decided by the delegates,” he said in an interview with the daily.
Loke noted that the party could not “have it both ways”.
“If the congress decides we remain in government, the entire party must shoulder the responsibility together and speak with one voice. We cannot govern while opposing from within,” he added.
DAP has the most number of MPs serving in the unity government, holding five ministerial and seven deputy ministerial posts, four senatorships, one chief ministership, one state ministership and 21 state executive councillor positions, along with hundreds of local council and village appointments.
Originally scheduled for September, the party's annual national congress has been brought forward to July 12.
Loke, who is also Transport Minister, said the core motion would determine the party’s direction for the next 12 to 18 months.
He noted that the CEC previously made decisions on joining or leaving political coalitions in accordance with the party constitution, and never put to a delegates’ vote.
“Given the current circumstances, especially the impact of the Sabah state election, it is necessary for delegates to decide our direction collectively. The congress is the highest decision-making body. We want the process to be more institutionalised and democratic,” he said.
Loke reiterated that the move was not a threat to the Prime Minister and that DAP would not withdraw support for the unity government or take part in any attempt to form a “backdoor government”.
“This is not a threat, but a review of our role in government. We will ensure the government remains stable,” he said, adding that some members were still adjusting to the pressures of being in government after years in opposition.
Once a decision is made on July 12, he said, all members must abide by it.
“If we stay, we stay. If we leave, we leave. There can be no ambiguity,” he said, adding that differing views, including whether to remain in Pakatan Harapan, contest independently or revert to using the party’s Rocket symbol, could be freely debated at the congress.
