Malaysia’s DAP Votes to Stay in Government, Securing Stability for PM Anwar
Malaysia’s Democratic Action Party voted overwhelmingly on Sunday to remain in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s cabinet, securing a crucial reprieve for the ruling administration following a series of regional electoral setbacks. Nearly 90 percent of more than 2,200 delegates at the party congress backed the leadership’s continued participation in the federal government, according to the South China Morning Post.
Mandate for Reform and Stability
The decisive vote provides political stability for the Pakatan Harapan-led coalition until its five-year term concludes in early 2028, according to the South China Morning Post. DAP Secretary General Anthony Loke told a press conference that the delegates’ mandate instructs the party’s central executive committee to continue pursuing its reform agenda and focus on promises made in the coalition’s manifesto. Delegates representing all 14 Malaysian states made cases for staying in government, emphasizing the need to maintain political stability, according to Channel NewsAsia. Selangor delegate Shakir Ameer Mohideen stated that the party fought hard to enter government and cannot abandon its post over a few setbacks. Sarawak delegate Soo Tien Ren described a departure from the government as political suicide that would abandon millions of Malaysians who had believed in them and shirk the responsibility to correct their own mistakes.
Internal Dissent and Friction With Coalition Partners
Despite the strong majority vote, several delegates voiced sharp criticism regarding government compromises and uneasy relations with coalition partners, according to Channel NewsAsia. Kuala Lumpur delegate Sangeet Kaur Deo argued that the party has remained silent on too many issues to avoid rocking the boat, pointing to voter frustration over the discharge not amounting to an acquittal granted to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on 47 corruption charges. She urged party members to use the next 18 months to speak up while in government, laying the groundwork for credibility whether the party stays in power or returns to the opposition.
