To quit Cabinet or not? Malaysia’s DAP ‘at crossroads’ ahead of crucial party congress

KUALA LUMPUR: The Democratic Action Party (DAP), Malaysia’s largest party in the unity government, is facing a critical decision at its upcoming congress on August 16. Over 4,000 delegates will vote on whether to retain five full Cabinet ministers and six deputy ministers in the government. This follows recent setbacks in state elections: DAP lost power in Negeri Sembilan after leading for two terms, and suffered a wipeout in the Sabah state election, losing all eight contested seats. While DAP retained some seats in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, political observers express deep disillusionment over the government’s record on promised reforms. Before the Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls, DAP suffered a severe loss in the November 2025 Sabah state election. If DAP delegates decide to resign their Cabinet positions, the party will maintain parliamentary support for the unity government until the current term ends. The unity government includes Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), smaller parties, and independents. A decision by DAP to leave the government could destabilize the administration, potentially forcing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to call a snap general election (GE16). Analysts and DAP members express mixed views on whether the party should stay or leave. Some, like Ong Kian Ming, advocate for resigning to signal dissatisfaction with reforms, while others, such as DAP assemblyperson Steven Tiw Tee Siang, believe staying is necessary to maintain stability and fulfill the mandate given by voters. Delegates from both opposition and government-held states may have differing opinions. DAP’s secretary-general Anthony Loke has stated that the party will respect delegates' autonomy, with voting conducted via secret ballot. The party’s internal leadership dynamics are also under scrutiny. Former secretary-general Lim Guan Eng lost his bid to retain chairmanship in the party’s internal election, and there are factions within DAP, with some favoring Loke and others supporting Lim. Confidence in Loke’s leadership remains strong among party members, despite external criticism. DAP’s performance in Negeri Sembilan, where it won nine of 11 contested seats, was a partial reprieve after losses in Sabah and Johor. However, the party lost control of the state government to BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN), which campaigned on Malay unity. DAP’s secretary-general Anthony Loke lost his Chennah seat, marking another setback. DAP’s future strategy involves returning to basics, focusing on voter concerns such as the cost of living, employment, housing, education, and public services. Political analysts warn that identity politics and racial rhetoric from BN and PN may hinder policy-driven reforms. DAP must also address misinformation and maintain public trust in governance efforts. Santiago and Preakas emphasize that DAP must demonstrate competence while acknowledging shortcomings to regain voter confidence. The upcoming congress will determine DAP’s path forward, whether it remains in the government to deliver on reforms or returns to opposition to fight for federal power.