DAP’s dilemma: damned if you do, damned if you don’t

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) finds itself in a difficult position, caught between leaving Anwar Ibrahim's government to support the Prime Minister from the outside and remaining in government to push for reforms before the 2016 general election. Both options come with significant risks and criticism from various quarters. If DAP opts out of government, it is likely to be criticized as an untrustworthy and faithless partner, while staying in government risks attracting flak from those accusing the party of dominating the Madani government and threatening Malay supremacy.

Leaving the government would allow DAP to deflect responsibility for the lack of reform progress, but it is unlikely to improve its prospects in GE16, as non-Malay voters are generally disillusioned with the People's Justice Party (PH) for betraying their hopes for reform. Staying in government does not provide enough time to press Anwar to accelerate the reform programme, as Malaysia's non-Malay reformists have little choice but to support a suitable Malay leader to spearhead the drive, given the importance of Malay leadership for success.

Anwar's recent actions, such as converting a Hindu youth to Islam, his response to a student's question about meritocracy, his embrace of Hamas, and his use of the French Revolution's haste in responding to criticism, have raised concerns about his prospects of a second term as Prime Minister. The DAP faces a tough decision in the coming 18 months, as Madani must transform itself into a coalition of expedited reform to ensure a more honorable defeat in GE16 if it loses the election.