Resign or stay? DAP to decide govt roles on July 12, says Loke

 

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party will hold a special congress on July 12, in which its delegates will determine whether its officeholders should step down from all government positions.

Sin Chew Daily reported Loke characterising the gathering as an internal “referendum”, emphasising that even if members opt to withdraw from executive roles, the party’s 40 MPs would still support the government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim until the next general election.

More than 4,000 central delegates are expected to take part in the vote, making it the first occasion on which such a consequential political question has been decided by the party’s top deliberative assembly rather than solely by its central executive committee (CEC).

"The 40 DAP MPs will ensure government stability. But our roles in the government, whether to continue as ministers or deputy ministers, or to resign from all official positions, including local councillors and positions in government-linked agencies, are up to the delegates to decide.

"We cannot want to govern without bearing the burden of governance. Once the congress decides to remain in the government, the entire DAP must share the responsibility and act in unison," he added.

He said the party cannot have it both ways, adding that if the DAP chooses to remain in the government, it must bear the responsibility and pressure of governing, and cannot govern while simultaneously opposing the government.

The party's annual national congress was originally scheduled for September but has been moved up to July.

Loke, who is also the transport minister, reportedly said the core motion will determine the party’s direction for the next 12 to 18 months.

He explained that the CEC previously decided on joining or leaving political coalitions according to the party constitution, and these decisions were never put to a vote of delegates.

However, current circumstances, particularly the impact of the Sabah election, require delegates to collectively decide the party’s direction.

Sabah polls

In December last year, the CEC vowed to compile all the feedback it received from Sabah voters during the recent state election and work towards regaining public confidence.

The decision was made following the party's dismal performance in the polls, where it lost all eight of its contests, including six constituencies it previously won with large majorities in the 2020 election.

Loke had said at that time the results were a "strong and unmistakable message from the voters" and reflected a serious crisis of confidence faced by both DAP and Pakatan Harapan.

He said DAP would also compile all the feedback it received, and work closely with Anwar to accelerate a six-month reform agenda.

The Sabah state election saw a wave of rejection for peninsula-based parties.

Parties such as Harapan’s DAP and PKR, as well as Bersatu and PAS of Perikatan Nasional, which hold significant political territory in Peninsular Malaysia, were wiped out or lost in most of their contests.

No to 'backdoor government'

The Chinese daily further reported Loke as saying that DAP's move was not a threat to Anwar, as the party would not withdraw its support for the unity government, much less participate in any "backdoor government" arrangements.

"I have already made it clear at the Harapan meeting that this is not a threat, but a review of our role in the government. We will ensure government stability," he stressed.

Loke added that once the party’s direction is confirmed at the congress on July 12, the entire party must act in unison, without personal agendas or hesitation.

He also stated that he did not want anyone to suggest that the CEC members were reluctant to step down merely because of their positions or the benefits they enjoyed.

"More than half of the delegates have made the decision, and everyone must obey. Whether it is to step down from the front line of governance or to continue working hard in the government, the whole party must be of one mind. If you want to stay, stay; if you want to leave, leave. There can be no ambiguity.

"Our role in the government is not just that of a minister, but also a deputy minister and a position in multiple government agencies; if we are to be removed, we will be removed together," he added. - Mkini