Keputusan kekal dalam kerajaan mesti seiring perubahan, kata perwakilan DAP

As the 4,000 DAP delegates gather for the party's future in government, a key issue that looms large on their minds is the unfulfilled promises made to the voters. Opinions among the delegates are mixed, with some advocating for the party to remain in the government to complete the term while addressing shortcomings, and others believing that the only way forward is to leave the government.

DAP MP V Ganabatirau believes staying in the government for now is better, but stresses that DAP should continue to push for reforms that have been fought for.

The party's delegates will cast a secret ballot at the national congress on August 16 to decide whether current party leaders should maintain their positions in the government or step down from the Cabinet but remain supportive of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government for the remainder of the term. This includes Deputy General Secretary Loke Siew Fook, who heads the Transportation portfolio, and DAP holds five ministers and seven deputy ministers.

Ganabatirau urges the need for fair regional allocation without considering political understanding, stating that this step can help restore public confidence that the government is not biased towards any group or community.

Some delegates who plan to vote for the party to leave the government tell FMT that this is in the best interest of the party. "We must do it before it's too late," said the unnamed delegate. They argue that the poor performance in Johor and Negeri Sembilan makes many question whether staying in the government will weaken DAP's base of support.

"There is a perception that the party has gone too far to the left," he said. "Better to leave. However, if delegates decide to stay, DAP cannot continue as usual. Openly discussing governance issues and clarifying the bases of the government is necessary." If no changes are made, DAP risks a worse defeat in upcoming elections as seen in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, and Sabah.

Veteran DAP member Ronnie Liu finds it difficult either way. "Delegates know that either staying in the government or leaving will have political consequences," he said. "If we leave, the party may become weaker. If we stay, there are also problems." Liu warns that DAP risks losing support from Chinese and Indian communities if it stays in the government.

However, he suggests that the PKR party might lose support from Malay voters if DAP does not leave. "This further complicates the situation," he said. He calls for the party to acknowledge its shortcomings and have the courage to admit them. Liu also references concerns over issues like the caging of pigs, the implementation of e-invoices, and the Royal Communications Council in relation to the death of Teoh Beng Hock and other public frustrations, emphasizing that DAP must address these issues promptly as time is not on their side.