DAP should stay in government for now, but reassess ties with Anwar, says Sangeet

Selangor DAP delegate Sangeet Kaur Deo emphasized that the party should continue to be part of the federal government for now, in order to rebuild trust and confidence among the public. Speaking at the DAP's special congress in Putrajaya, Deo noted that staying in government would provide the party with the opportunity to implement reforms and address issues that matter to its supporters. However, she cautioned that this should not be achieved at the expense of speaking out on matters that are important to the party.

Deo highlighted the reforms carried out by DAP ministers and pointed out that there have been numerous initiatives at the ministry level. Yet, she acknowledged that there exist significant problems that DAP must confront. Specifically, she pointed to the party's failure to address corruption, despite its election promise to fight it. She cited the Umno president's acquittal on 47 charges and controversies involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission as examples of where the party has not lived up to its commitments.

Deo questioned the loyalty of Umno as a coalition partner, stating that their persistent attacks on DAP even within the government have led to division. She urged the Central Executive Committee to reassess the relationship with Anwar Ibrahim, warning that such divisions can strengthen opponents. Deo argued that walking away from the unity government would limit DAP's influence on federal policies and diminish its ability to push for change from within.

Delegates voted overwhelmingly to support staying in the unity government until the end of the 16th Parliament. Kedah delegate Lim Hooi Yee emphasized that leaving the government would not solve DAP's problems and might even worsen the situation. She argued that while leaving could give DAP more room to criticize the government, it would also forfeit its position at the decision-making table, where crucial policies are formulated.

Lim stressed that while criticism is vital, DAP must remain consistent in advocating for integrity, regardless of whether it's with friends or opponents. She warned that political opponents were exploiting racial and religious tensions to weaken DAP and the unity government, and that leaving would empower these forces.