Non-Malays unlikely to return to DAP even if it leaves govt, says Ramasamy

Urimai chairman P Ramasamy asserts that the Democratic Action Party (DAP) is unlikely to regain the trust of disillusioned non-Malay voters, regardless of whether it remains in the government. The former deputy chairman of DAP contends that the party, despite holding 40 parliamentary seats and five ministerial positions, has failed to leverage its government status to effect significant change for non-Malays.

In a Facebook post, Ramasamy stated that he believes non-Malays will not warm up to the party, whether it stays in government or leaves the ruling coalition.

Ramasamy argued that leaving the government would not automatically transform DAP from its current "pliant" status into a more assertive one. He commented on the upcoming DAP congress on August 16, where delegates are expected to vote by secret ballot on whether the party should remain in the Pakatan Harapan-led government. Ramasamy expects the delegates to ultimately vote to stay in government, although they might impose certain conditions.

He suggested that staying in the government could harm DAP's chances of being part of a future administration.

Ramasamy accused DAP of becoming less vocal on issues affecting the Chinese and Indian communities since joining the government. He alleged that leaders have made concessions to what he described as "Malay hegemonic interests." The Urimai chairman also pointed to DAP's electoral setbacks in Sabah, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan, including the recent defeat of secretary-general Loke Siew Fook in Chennah, as evidence that the party has reached a critical juncture.

However, Ramasamy emphasized that the party's problems extend beyond the issue of staying in the government, citing generational, ideological, and structural changes that have impacted DAP's functioning. He claimed that the party had a chance but squandered it after becoming entrenched in the "trap of power, positions, and perks."