Analysts split over DAP’s ‘stay for now’ strategy

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) has chosen to remain in the Cabinet despite divisions among its delegates. The party's special congress, held on August 16, saw a majority vote in favor of keeping their leaders in government until the end of the current term. However, opinions on whether this strategy will yield positive results vary among political analysts.

Syaza Shukri, a delegate from the International Islamic University Malaysia, believes the party can rebuild trust if it uses its government position to push for promised reforms and hold partners accountable. She argues that DAP should focus on institutional reforms, which are less likely to become entangled in racial politics, as a way to demonstrate its influence and commitment to fulfilling its promises.

On the other hand, Oh Ei Sun from the Singapore Institute of International Affairs contends that there is little DAP can achieve within the Cabinet to regain its core support. He cites the "kuil haram" or "illegal temples" issue as a recent example where the party's decision to take action against Hindu temple construction without proper approval has alienated non-Malay voters.

Oh suggests that DAP would be better served by withdrawing from the Cabinet and continuing to support the government in the Dewan Rakyat, thereby expressing its protest without bringing down the government.