Demi selamatkan Malaysia, DAP mesti undur daripada Kabinet

At first glance, the headline may surprise many. I, who have been a staunch supporter of DAP, even believe it is the best political party in Malaysia, find it difficult to write this article. However, politics has its logic, considerations, and rules that sometimes defy expectations. Nevertheless, DAP must step down. By relinquishing positions in the government, DAP can regain public trust, including that of those who have begun to view the party negatively.

Many DAP supporters believe the party has become too accommodating to the Prime Minister. They feel the Prime Minister is overly catering to Malays, while many in that group still do not welcome that approach. While I do not agree with that viewpoint, the concerns of its supporters cannot be ignored as they will also determine the outcome of the upcoming election.

If DAP steps down from the Cabinet, it may be able to convince the skeptical group to return to voting booths. Second, a DAP withdrawal can put pressure on the Prime Minister to implement the promised reforms. Renewal is crucial to restore public confidence, including among first-time voters, in Pakatan Harapan (PH). Although this may seem harsh, sometimes painful decisions are necessary for better results.

Third, when DAP is no longer in the government, PAS will lose a long-time target and source of inspiration. PAS will also find it harder to portray DAP as the party that controls the government with the aim of destroying Malays and Islam, as often depicted by that Islamist party. Without DAP in the Cabinet, Anwar can appoint more Malay MPs to the Cabinet, making a Malay-majority government less threatening to PAS.

This step may also weaken demands for a "United Home" concept and the Malay-Islam narrative often played by PAS and its allies to stay relevant. It is time to challenge the political tactics of PAS and Umno. If DAP leaves the Cabinet, PAS and Umno may have to follow PH's lead. Thus, how can this step save Malaysia? By stepping out of the Cabinet, DAP can regain the support of first-time voters and those increasingly pessimistic about politics, in addition to discouraging those who have traditionally attacked DAP and PH.

At the same time, it can remove the main source of funding that opponents have used to attack DAP and PH. This may seem like an unusual strategy, but it could help PH gain a majority to form the next government without relying on others. Ultimately, this may seem like a valid goal to justify the means. The article presents the writer's perspective and does not necessarily reflect FMT's views.