Syahredzan says PM must mind the bends as DAP members demand faster reforms

 

Concerned about waning support, DAP delegates at the party’s recent national congress demanded that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expedite his promised reforms.

However, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan warned that flooring the pedal on a twisty road could spell peril.

Acknowledging that the reforms appeared to be moving slowly, the DAP central executive council member said Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairperson, was in a difficult position, particularly when it concerned sensitive issues.

To illustrate his point, Syahredzan cited calls for Putrajaya to fully recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) for admission to public universities.

He pointed out that while the government had made progress on the issue, UEC proponents remained dissatisfied, feeling that not enough was being done.

“Some may feel that this is not enough, but on our side, as DAP’s Malay leaders, we know that this issue is highly sensitive among the Malay community.

“Anwar himself has previously shared how he viewed the experience in Egypt after the Arab Spring, when changes were introduced too rapidly, leading to a military coup,” Syahredzan told a KiniTV podcast that was aired this morning (Thursday).

Among the prime minister’s fiercest critics at the congress was Federal Territory DAP delegate Sangeet Kaur Deo, who urged the party to reassess its relationship with Anwar, accusing him of dividing coalition partners while empowering Umno.

Disagreeing with her, Syahredzan emphasised that various interests had to be considered when executing the reforms.

Sangeet Kaur Deo

“We cannot rush things or act hastily. As the saying goes, we have to be careful and proceed slowly. We understand that.

“That is why, despite the circumstances, Anwar has been brave enough to at least pave the way, if we are talking about the broader context.

“So, we understand that there are constraints. He is essentially caught in a difficult position, and any changes have to be made carefully,” he added.

‘Delegates chose to stay, not CEC’

Syahredzan also hit back at critics who accused DAP leaders of being addicted to power after delegates voted to remain in the Madani government.

He pointed out that many of those who voted in favour of staying were not holding any government-related positions.

DAP delegates during the party’s congress on Aug 16, 2026

“To say that it is merely a show, or that (DAP) is seeking or addicted to power, I don’t think that is accurate, because the CEC did not make the decision.

“If the CEC had made the decision, then perhaps we could say that because there are ministers and deputy ministers (in the council). But the decision was made by the delegates, who are really just ordinary people,” he added. - Mkini