'If you decide to stay in govt, at least impose some reform conditions' - Charles tells DAP

 

Former DAP lawmaker Charles Santiago has urged the party to set conditions for remaining in the federal government until the end of its term, saying this would be the least it could do to address growing anger among its supporters.

In a statement ahead of DAP’s annual congress tomorrow, Charles said he expected delegates to vote for the party to remain in government despite the risk of further alienating Chinese voters.

According to him, DAP should use the opportunity to demonstrate that it remained committed to reforms, particularly after its poor performance in the last three state elections.

"Having been repeatedly criticised for refusing to call out pertinent issues, perhaps the party could at least do something now to preserve whatever shreds of accountability remain.

ADS

"Not exactly a revolutionary concept, but apparently we are setting the bar quite low. What I have in mind is simple: DAP should impose conditions for remaining in the government coalition.

"This might, for a change, convince the community that the party is actually serious about reforms, rather than merely serious about remaining in government.

"After its poor performance in the last three state elections, it would also be a useful opportunity to demonstrate that the party has noticed the political ground shifting beneath its feet," said Charles.

Time to push Putrajaya

The former Klang MP made several suggestions as to what DAP should push Putrajaya to undertake.

Among others, he said DAP should demand that the government immediately make public the reports from investigations into former MACC chief Azam Baki and the alleged “corporate mafia” scandal involving MACC.

He also called on DAP’s top leadership to push for a high-level cabinet committee on Indian affairs to address longstanding issues affecting the community.

Charles said the government should also form a high-level committee to address the cost-of-living crisis, bringing together economists, workers, civil society, businesses and other stakeholders, and implement a national school meal programme.

"The fact remains that DAP has gone remarkably quiet on many of the issues it once fought ferociously, and that silence has come at a considerable cost to its legitimacy.

"So, if the party is going to sink further into government, it should at least take a few principles with it.

"DAP should also tell the public whether a consensus has been reached with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on these reform demands and, more importantly, what exactly the implementation strategy is," he added.

Over 4,200 DAP delegates to the party convention in Putrajaya tomorrow will decide whether the party should remain in the federal government until the end of its term.

The motion - to be brought by the DAP central executive committee through secretary-general Anthony Loke - came on the heels of DAP and Pakatan Harapan's dismal performances in recent state elections. - Mkini