Resentment cause of poor attendance at DAP congress

The recent DAP special congress held in George Town on Sunday saw a low turnout, with only 52.1% of eligible delegates present. This was due to frustration among some delegates with the party leadership, who felt the party had not fulfilled its election promises. Of those who attended, 88.2% voted to stay in government, while 242 delegates chose to leave.

The remaining 124 delegates did not cast a vote. Perak delegate JP Tan stated that the vote was "pointless" and a "waste of time," adding that he had been disillusioned with the party since it became part of the unity government. The Perak delegate also claimed that many election promises had not been fulfilled, and grassroots members were struggling with rising living costs and business challenges.

Tan believed the DAP had waited 60 years to enter government and should now focus on delivering on its promises. However, not all delegates who missed the congress were unhappy; some, like an 85-year-old Penang veteran, missed it due to poor health. DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook dismissed suggestions that the low turnout was a form of protest, stating that many delegates could not take time off work.

Despite the challenges, some delegates still believed that the DAP should remain in government to push for important issues, such as university admission based on performance.