DAP congress set for Aug 16 showdown, stalled reforms and grassroots frustration to dominate agenda

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 9 — The upcoming national congress of the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) on August 16 is set to be a pivotal event, addressing concerns over institutional reforms and the party's direction in the face of mounting dissatisfaction from grassroots members. National organizing secretary Datuk Chan Foong Hin highlighted the importance of the congress, which will gather over 4,000 delegates, to evaluate the party's trajectory after three and a half years in power.

Chan acknowledged that key reforms, such as a 10-year limit for the prime minister's tenure and the separation of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor roles, have not been implemented due to a lack of parliamentary support. He questioned the absence of backbenchers from the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, emphasizing the need for adequate backing to push through significant changes.

The congress will feature debates and a vote on the party's future direction, framed as an integral part of DAP's internal democratic process rather than a response to recent political developments. Chan noted that Malaysia's political landscape has become increasingly complex, as reflected in recent events in Peninsular Malaysia, including the emergence of opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin alongside figures allied with the ruling coalition.

He stressed that Sabah remains comparatively more politically stable, with clearer party positions even after recent elections. Chan stressed the importance of achieving political clarity while maintaining sufficient parliamentary support to enact reforms and pass the federal budget, posing the key question of what objectives should be pursued in the party's remaining term.