DAP congress to review role in govt: Party is missing the forest for the trees

 

DAP will convene a special congress on July 12 to decide whether its leaders should relinquish all government positions while maintaining parliamentary support for the unity administration.

According to media reports, the party’s secretary-general Anthony Loke reportedly said the vote would determine whether party officeholders should step down as ministers, deputy ministers, state executive councillors, local councillors and members of government-linked companies.

More than 4,000 central delegates are expected to participate, in what he described as an internal “referendum”.

It is obvious that the electoral debacle in Sabah and constant criticism among its supporters and detractors that it has lost much of its voice of justice and reforms since joining the Cabinet has prompted DAP leadership to come up with such a decision.

The truth is, DAP is missing the forest for the trees. It is not addressing the underlying issues that propel it to be part of the Madani government in the first place.

The issues cannot be reduced to whether DAP should relinquish its government position or not.

While DAP has made the right decision to hear the voices of its members,the modus operandi of how DAP shapes critical questions for its delegates and the approach it will use to obtain approval from its members is critical.

The fundamental question is how will DAP approach the next general election in regards to its partnership with PKR and UMNO.

The issue is not just about whether or not to be in government but whether DAP is willing to work with unrepentant UMNO currently and in the next general election.

For authentic reforms to materialise, there should be a shared vision on issues ranging from institutional reforms, addressing corruption,human rights, sustainable development and how financial resources are distributed for the common good.

Is DAP convinced that PKR—which is part of the Pakatan Harapan coalition—is willing to forgo an alliance with UMNO in the next general election to pursue a united vision and real reforms?

If PKR wants to work with UMNO, will DAP abandon Pakatan Harapan and chart its own destiny with like-minded progressive parties?

If there is no majority for any blocs in Parliament in the next general election, will DAP work with UMNO again without clarifying its principles of cooperation as it is in the current unity government?

These are real questions that need to be addressed, and asking the right questions will certainly rejuvenate DAP before the next general election.

The trees are about Cabinet positions and the forest is a larger issue to ensure DAP becomes a party of integrity and credibility as it navigates the complex challenges in Malaysian politics.

 Ronald Benjamin is a human resources practitioner based in Ipoh. He is currently secretary of the Association for Community and Dialogue.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia.