DAP: A long struggle, short-lived power, and an uncertain path forward

THE Democratic Action Party (DAP) stands as one of Malaysia’s most significant and polarising political parties. Born in 1965 as an offshoot of Singapore’s People’s Action Party (PAP), it has faced a tumultuous journey marked by accusations of being anti-Malay and anti-Malay nationalism.

This label, deeply rooted in the DAP’s beginnings and its association with the PAP, has been a persistent thorn in its side.

Despite decades of efforts to shed this image, suspicions linger among significant segments of the population, complicating the party’s efforts to establish itself as a truly Malaysian party.

The early rivalries: DAP vs MCA and Gerakan

For much of Malaysia’s post-Independence history, DAP found itself locked in fierce competition with the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and later Gerakan, both of which were key components of the ruling coalition – first the Alliance and subsequently Barisan Nasional.

MCA and Gerakan enjoyed considerable success as junior partners in government, wielding influence and securing benefits for their constituents while remaining aligned with Umno’s dominant position.

The dynamic began to shift in the early 2000s. DAP mounted a highly sophisticated campaign to portray MCA and Gerakan as being subservient to Umno, undermining their credibility among Chinese and Indian voters.

The tipping point came in the 2008 general election, where this narrative gained significant traction, leading to an erosion of support for MCA and Gerakan.

This culminated in their political downfall in 2018 when Barisan Nasional was ousted from power after more than six decades of dominance.

Short-lived stint in power: Pakatan Harapan 1.0

The DAP’s long quest for power finally bore fruit in 2018 as part of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, which also included PKR, Amanah and Bersatu. The victory was historic, but the euphoria was short-lived.

Pakatan Harapan’s government lasted only 22 months, collapsing in early 2020 following the Sheraton Move – a political realignment that saw Bersatu, under the leadership of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, exiting the coalition and allying with Umno and PAS.

The collapse was precipitated by several factors. The Pakatan Harapan government was seen by many Malays as too progressive and ambitious in its reforms, which alienated the Malay electorate.

One flashpoint was the proposal to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd), which sparked widespread protests and stoked fears that the government was undermining Malay rights and privileges.

Pakatan Harapan’s string of by-election defeats, including in Tanjung Piai, Kimanis, and Semenyih, reflected this growing discontent.

Compounding these challenges was the uneasy relationship between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who led the coalition, and other key leaders, particularly from DAP and PKR.

Dr Mahathir’s reluctance to hand over power to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as initially agreed, exacerbated tensions within the coalition. The resulting political attrition, led by Muhyiddin and Datuk Seri Mohd Azmin Ali, then with PKR, eventually caused the Pakatan government's collapse.

DAP in Pakatan Harapan 2.0: Playing it safe

Having learned painful lessons from its first stint in power, DAP has adopted a markedly different approach in Pakatan Harapan 2.0.

Critics argue that the party has become overly cautious, avoiding bold policy positions and refraining from vocal advocacy on issues important to its core constituents.

Some have even joked that it now resembles the very image it once painted of MCA and Gerakan – a subservient partner, willing to forgo its ideals for the sake of political stability.

This newfound docility has raised questions about the party’s future trajectory.

While it appears determined to ensure Pakatan Harapan 2.0 succeeds, many wonder at what cost. The decline of MCA and Gerakan, once respected representatives of the Chinese and Indian communities, serves as a cautionary tale.

Will the DAP suffer a similar fate, alienating its base by prioritising coalition politics over its traditional role as a vocal advocate for minority rights and progressive reforms?

Internal divisions and leadership challenges

Adding to DAP’s woes are growing divisions within its state chapters. In Selangor, state chairman Gobind Singh Deo was not re-elected to the state committee, highlighting factionalism within the party.

In Penang, a long-standing rift between Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and party heavyweight Lim Guan Eng has become increasingly apparent.

These internal struggles risk further undermining the party’s unity and effectiveness at a time when it can ill afford distractions.

Challenges and choices

As the DAP charts its path forward, it faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, it must maintain its relevance within the Pakatan coalition, which requires a level of compromise and restraint.

On the other, it must reconnect with its core supporters, who are growing disillusioned with the party’s perceived lack of direction and willingness to adopt a backseat role.

The question remains whether or not DAP can strike this balance without paying the same price as MCA and Gerakan.

The latter’s long tenure in government came at the expense of their credibility and electoral viability, leaving them shadows of their former selves.

DAP must tread carefully to avoid a similar fate.

A twist of karma?

There is an undeniable element of irony, or karma, in DAP’s predicament. Having risen to power by criticising MCA and Gerakan for their subservience to Umno, it now finds itself accused of similar behaviour within Pakatan.

Whether or not it can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger will depend on its ability to evolve while staying true to the principles that first brought it success.

Conclusion

DAP’s journey from opposition stalwart to ruling coalition partner has been fraught with challenges. As it grapples with internal divisions, external pressures, and the complexities of coalition politics, the party’s future remains uncertain.

What is clear, however, is that DAP must address these issues head-on if it hopes to sustain its position as a leading force in Malaysian politics. The stakes are high, not just for the party, but for the diverse constituencies it represents and for the broader trajectory of Malaysian democracy.