‘Stay in govt’ mood prevails among DAP delegates, vote pending

DAP delegates have expressed a unanimous desire to continue being part of the federal government, stating that it is crucial for delivering reforms and fulfilling the mandate given by voters. The delegates, gathered at a special congress in Putrajaya, debated a motion put forward by DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, which questioned whether the party should remain in the government until the end of the current parliamentary term or leave and become backbenchers.

While there were grievances about the government's performance and the speed of reforms, the majority of delegates believed that leaving the administration would only exacerbate the situation.

In questioning the benefits of leaving Putrajaya, Perak DAP delegate Ng Thien Yong argued that any gain would be made by Perikatan Nasional instead. Selangor DAP delegate Shakir Ameer Mohideen emphasized the party's struggle to reach Putrajaya and urged the delegates to make the right decision. Sarawak DAP delegate Soo Tien Ren called leaving the government as "political suicide", urging the party to use its current position to push for further reforms.

He also demanded equal allocations for all MPs, including opposition lawmakers, and the abolition of the Sedition Act, claiming these reforms are achievable through political will.

Wong Bor Yang, a Johor DAP delegate, acknowledged the party's crucial role in forming the unity government after the 2022 general election but noted that the reform agenda remains incomplete. Negeri Sembilan DAP delegate S Mugunthan echoed similar sentiments, stating that DAP ministers should stay in the government to continue making a difference for the people.

Perlis DAP delegate Chew Chin Lee supported the party's continued presence in the Cabinet until the next general election, but called for greater pressure on the government to deliver on promised reforms, highlighting issues such as the Azam Baki shareholding case, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's Yayasan Akalbudi DNAA, and the so-called "corporate mafia."