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

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 9 — National DAP organising secretary Datuk Chan Foong Hin has announced that the party’s national congress on August 16 will primarily focus on significant reforms and the party's future direction amid growing discontent at the grassroots level. Chan stated that the congress, involving more than 4,000 delegates, would provide members with an opportunity to evaluate the party's trajectory following three and a half years in government.

He admitted that several crucial reforms, including a proposed ten-year limit for the prime minister's term and the separation of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor roles, have not been enacted due to insufficient parliamentary backing. Chan questioned the absence of the Barisan Nasional (BN) backbenchers, emphasizing the necessity of adequate support for substantial reforms.

He stated that the congress will feature debates and a vote on the party's direction, asserting that this is an intrinsic part of DAP's internal democratic proceedings, not a response to recent political developments. Chan characterized Malaysia's political climate as "blurry," citing recent political events in Peninsular Malaysia following state election outcomes, including the involvement of opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin with figures allied to the ruling faction.

He noted that Sabah stands in stark contrast, where party positions remain more distinct despite electoral results. Chan stressed the importance of achieving a clear political stance while maintaining sufficient parliamentary support to pass reforms and the federal budget. "The fundamental question is what we aim to accomplish in the remainder of the term," he concluded.