Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration will face mounting pressure if DAP delegates vote for the party to withdraw from the government on Aug 16.
Political analyst Syaza Shukri said the decision could be used by Perikatan Nasional and BN as leverage against Anwar, reinforcing the narrative that his coalition partners had lost confidence in his leadership.
The mounting pressure, she said, could embolden the opposition to push for Parliament to be dissolved, paving the way for the 16th general election to be held sooner.
“I am worried because I don’t think that (a general election) is what the people want (from) this political instability. So this (DAP’s exit) will weaken the government and open the door to attacks from the opposition,” she told Malaysiakini.
More than 4,200 DAP delegates will cast their ballots at the party’s annual conference this Sunday to decide if the party should remain in the federal administration for the rest of the term or withdraw from the government.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke will table the motion on behalf of the party’s central executive committee for delegates to vote on, and every party delegate from across the country will be entitled to vote via a secret ballot.
Syaza said while DAP’s withdrawal from the cabinet might not directly challenge Anwar’s legitimacy or parliamentary support, it could allow his opponents to push certain perceptions and narratives.
“I believe the government will constantly be on the defensive, which would make efforts to pursue other reforms more difficult,” she added.
DAP in difficult position
However, the International Islamic University Malaysia political science lecturer acknowledged that DAP was also being placed in a difficult position.
“DAP also needs to do something, or it will look like it has lost its fangs. We know that DAP supporters feel like they are not being heard now.
“So if DAP leaves the government, it can restore the confidence of its supporters, but being outside the government means having less influence. This could also weaken DAP.
“But for now, I think DAP is prioritising electoral survival,” said Syaza.
Taking accountability
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Mazlan Ali said DAP’s decision on whether to remain in or leave the Madani government was one way for the party to assume accountability.
He said the decision came amid a marked decline in DAP’s influence in recent state elections, including its wipeout in Sabah and weaker performances in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.
“In particular, Chinese voters have started shifting towards BN. That is why at the congress, they are leaving it to delegates to decide whether DAP should remain in or leave the government.
“If DAP leaves the cabinet, the government will not be significantly affected since 40 MPs will continue to support it. But in terms of unity, it would suggest there is a split.
“People will see Anwar’s cabinet as less cohesive because its most important component has left the government, and the Chinese community will no longer have representatives in the government if DAP leaves,” he said.
Mazlan added that although GE16 was on the horizon, issues concerning the Chinese community could no longer be championed in the cabinet through their representatives to some extent.
Nevertheless, he said leaving the decision to delegates was DAP’s way of demonstrating its moral responsibility.
Mazlan said DAP supporters would view the move as the party taking responsibility rather than pursuing positions in government, as its leaders would be willing to give up their posts after facing rejection by voters.
“So DAP’s image will indirectly show that it is not power-hungry. However, the long-term impact is that there will be no representatives of the Chinese community in the government.
“This could have an impact to some extent, as some members of the Chinese community may see DAP as running away from its responsibilities,” he added. - Mkini
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