DAP’s specific red line for remaining in or exiting the coalition government has yet to be clearly defined, several DAP leaders told Malaysiakini.
Party central executive committee (CEC) member Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said the party’s recent national convention, where a majority of delegates voted for the party to remain in the federal government, sent a clear signal that DAP should strengthen its push for its agenda while continuing to work within the current administration.
“That is the baseline entrusted to us through the vote and the support given at the convention.
“So, if you ask me where the red line is, I think that needs to be elaborated further.
“And I am confident that after that, the next level would be the Pakatan Harapan presidential council, before it is brought to the cabinet,” he said during an interview yesterday on an episode of KiniTV’s “Explain Sikit” podcast.
However, Sheikh Umar said the red line should not necessarily be understood as an ultimatum to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“But if by a red line we mean that if a certain matter is breached, then we retreat and withdraw our support to remain in the government, I don’t think that is the issue.
“It’s because the mandate given again through the 2026 convention is that grassroots members want us to strengthen our struggle, but within the framework of working together with the administration,” the Dewan Negara member added.
Shah Alam DAP division chairperson Shakir Ameer Mohideen said DAP’s immediate priority was to fulfil its manifesto pledges and regain voter confidence, adding that the party currently has no plans to leave the cabinet.
However, he also said party leaders could consider a different course if the promised reforms were not delivered.
“Basically, we want whatever is in our manifesto to be fulfilled. At least that way we can regain voter confidence.
“There’s no plan to leave cabinet now that we got the mandate to continue. In the event no reforms are done, then maybe leaders may take another direction for the general election.
“The red line has been the same from the beginning: no abuse of power, no corruption,” Shakir said when contacted.
DAP remains in govt
On Sunday, a majority of DAP delegates voted for the party to remain in the federal government, meaning it will continue working with BN and its linchpin Umno, once an arch-nemesis and now a convenient political ally, despite both parties having a strained relationship.
This followed Anwar’s decision to retain BN in his administration, citing political stability, despite having previously blamed the coalition for hampering efforts to deliver reforms promised by Harapan.
The cooperation has long drawn heavy criticism from Harapan supporters, who questioned how the coalition can deliver on its promised reforms with BN in government, given its association with corruption cases such as 1MDB and, more recently, the mismanagement issues involving Tabung Haji.
BN chairperson and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) on 47 corruption charges in 2023 also courted brickbats from many quarters.
Political stability, cross-aisle support
Meanwhile, DAP vice-chairperson Syahredzan Johan said that while Harapan must urgently start delivering results, the government also needs political stability and cross-aisle support to realise the reforms.
This, he added, necessitates DAP’s continued work with BN.
“DAP should focus on ensuring that we deliver as many of our promises before the next general election so that we can face our voters and let them decide our fate,” the Bangi MP mentioned.
Asked how DAP squares its anti-corruption messaging with its ties with Zahid, Syahredzan stressed that DAP had already stated its position on the issue when the DNAA was granted three years ago.
He also pointed out that the attorney-general’s (AG) decision is still being challenged in court.
Syahredzan also stressed that the government has been working to institute reforms so such incidents would not recur.
“The allegation is, of course, that there were political considerations which led to the DNAA. To ensure this would not happen (again), the roles and powers of the public prosecutor (PP) should be placed beyond political influence, whether real or perceived.
“That is why DAP has been fighting for the separation of the powers and functions of the AG and the PP.
“This bill has been tabled and gone through a parliamentary special select committee, and one of our priorities is to ensure that the bill is debated and passed,” he added.
‘Many fear PN rule’
Meanwhile, Malacca DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong also defended Harapan’s decision to form a coalition government with BN and work with Zahid despite the latter’s court case.
This was because many did not want to see Perikatan Nasional, particularly PAS, in the federal government.
“What is important at this point is that there has been no abuse of power involving any minister in the current government.
“Therefore, whatever happened before the coalition government was formed should be left to the authorities, including the judiciary, to take the appropriate action,” he added.
Another CEC member, Kasthuriraani Patto, stressed that DAP’s record should not be assessed in isolation, given it governs within a multi-coalition cabinet.
“In terms of institutional reform, DAP has been at the forefront of consistently and constantly pushing for it.
“The cabinet is made up of ministers from different political parties with perhaps different political ideologies, including from Sabah and Sarawak.
“So, the bigger question here is: what is their position on institutional reforms and eradicating corruption? Will they also support DAP-Harapan’s push for these reforms?” she asked.
The DAP secretary for international affairs and vice-chairperson of DAP Women’s wing also turned the question towards the opposition, noting reforms brought to Parliament would need their support too.
“The other aspect is how the opposition MPs will vote on these institutional reforms when it is brought to Parliament.
“Some reforms can be made at a policy level, but others need an amendment to laws. We have seen political parties crossing the floor to form pacts and mergers for elections.
“Will we see the same support to fight corruption and bring meaningful institutional reforms in Parliament by the same political parties?” Kasthuriraani asked.
Two days ago, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo urged Anwar to deliver on at least four reforms by year-end.
Namely, he wants Putrajaya to separate the roles of AG and PP, set term limits for the prime minister, and amend the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act and the Peaceful Assembly Act.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke also said the party would discuss a timeline with Anwar on the said agenda. - FMT
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