According to a Free Malaysia Today report, widespread frustration with DAP leadership caused a low delegate turnout at last Sunday’s special congress, which was held to decide the party's future in the ruling coalition.
While the attending majority voted to remain in government, absent delegates dismissed the session as "pointless" and a "waste of time".
Taman Paya Terubong DAP branch chairperson JP Tan echoed this sentiment, labelling the vote "quite unnecessary".
Out of the party’s 4,264 eligible delegates, only 2,223 (52.1 percent) attended the congress to vote, while the remaining 2,041 (47.9 percent) stayed away.
Among those present at last Sunday's event, 1,857 delegates (88.2 percent) voted to remain in government, 242 voted to leave, and 124 abstained.
Commenting on the situation, a delegate from Perak noted that while the DAP performed well in the opposition, local sentiment has shifted.
“The people in my area are now struggling with the rising cost of living and the challenges of running a business,” he told FMT.
Sangeet’s fiery speech
The media also reported that Federal Territory DAP delegate Sangeet Kaur Deo has urged the party's central executive committee (CEC) to review its alliance with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
While supporting DAP to stay in the coalition, she criticised the current partnership structure, stating it has failed to unify its members.
Sangeet also emphasised that DAP's participation should look beyond maintaining political stability for the next general election.
She argued the party must use its remaining time in power to address previously avoided issues, regain its political voice, and rebuild public trust.
It seems Sangeet was not alone. Some critics also joined the chorus by arguing that the DAP has compromised its core principles and original political stance over time.
They pointed out that partnering with former rivals has altered the party's direction, and that its once-bold voice has softened since entering government.
Furthermore, observers suggest that the pursuit of government roles has superseded the party's long-term reform goals.
Compromise is needed
Conversely, DAP's supporters contend that compromise is a necessity for effective governance and delivering practical results.
Party members also argue that being in power provides a crucial opportunity to reform the system from within.
While DAP suffered a major blow in the Sabah state election by failing to secure even a single seat, its electoral performances in Johor and Negeri Sembilan were equally underwhelming.
In a surprising turn of events, even DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke lost his seat in Negeri Sembilan. Loke’s failure to defend his long-held Chennah state seat is seen as a major political upset.
While DAP may be commended for letting its delegates decide on maintaining or severing its alliance with BN, it still raises questions about voter sentiment, leaving it uncertain whether the people will back DAP or deliver a harsh backlash in the next election. - Mkini
HANIPA MAIDIN is a former deputy minister of law.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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