PETALING JAYA: While DAP’s partners in Pakatan Harapan want the party to remain with them, pundits view the July 12 congress as a strong political message by the party.
PKR central leadership council member R. Yuneswaran said a united coalition is the best option for present day Malaysia and even after the 16th General Election (GE16).
“DAP is a strong Pakatan partner and I believe all this while we work on the common interest of the people, mutual trust and respect,” the National Unity Deputy Minister said when contacted.
PKR’s Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim hopes DAP, which holds 40 seats in Parliament, will remain within the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“We accept whatever decision is made, but we do not plead. Should DAP withdraw from the government, then mathematically, the Anwar administration would fall. There is little doubt about that,” he said.
“As DAP’s strategic partner since our days in opposition, we do not seek sympathy. We have our dignity.
“If, in DAP’s judgment, the government no longer deserves support and its tenure ought to be brought to an end, then make your decision.”
Amanah secretary-general Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said the party respects the decision of DAP but he hopes that preserving the strength of the government would be its “paramount consideration”.
He said GE16 will be different as the coalition will be entering it as the side that had just served as the government.
“I believe the performance of this government is due to the hard work of all coalition parties in the unity government, therefore it is important for (DAP) to remain in the government,” he said.
Amanah communications director Khalid Samad has reservations about DAP giving up government positions as there was no purpose in doing so.
“Whatever influence we have on government policy will be further reduced and not increased by such a move. So why do it?”.
Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said should delegates decide that DAP leaders resign from the government, the government’s majority will be reduced, potentially triggering political uncertainty, particularly if key ministerial portfolios are affected.
Ilham Centre chief executive officer Hisommudin Bakar said the special congress aims to obtain a mandate from delegates to determine the party’s direction and strategy ahead of GE16.
“This move appears to be a response to clear signals from Chinese voters, particularly in major urban areas in the recent Sabah election.
“DAP interpreted the results as a wake-up call, indicating dissatisfaction that cannot be ignored.
“The party seeks to ensure that this wave of rejection does not spread to Peninsular Malaysia and undermine its traditional strongholds.”
He said if DAP decides to remain in government without adopting more decisive and responsive policies to address supporter demands, the risk of stronger voter rejection in GE16 cannot be discounted.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke reportedly said that the congress would provide space for delegates to decide whether its leaders should relinquish all government posts, although it would continue to support Anwar’s government until the end of the current term.
