DAP sudah pun meneruskan langkah tanpa Ong, kata penganalisis

Analysts say the resignation of Ong Kian Ming from the DAP (Democratic Action Party) will not significantly impact the party, as he has been less active in recent years and the party has already continued its steps without him. PETALING JAYA: The departure of Ong, a former Bangi Parliamentarian, has had a minor effect on DAP, according to political analyst Syaza Shukri from Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia.

She stated that the loss of Ong is not a significant setback for DAP, despite his popularity, as the party has other young leaders ready to step forward. She believes that DAP has already moved on from the internal disputes with Ong, and she told FMT that he has become less active in the party over the past few years after stepping down from his position as leader.

Additionally, Ong has increasingly criticized DAP. The only effect of his resignation is from a public relations standpoint, as his departure could provide ammunition for Ong's detractors to claim that all talented individuals are leaving the party. Syaza noted that DAP has a group of young leaders, including Steven Sim, Yeo Bee Yin, and Liew Chin Tong, who are all a few years younger than Ong, aged 50, and who are ready to take on more prominent roles.

Sim is 44, Yeo is 43, and Liew is 48. Ong, a twice-elected MP, announced his resignation from DAP on Monday after nearly 14 years with the party. He said he has no intention of joining another party or contesting the upcoming general election, although he had previously helped former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin campaign during the 2016 general election.

Previously seen as a key strategist in DAP, Ong joined the party through Tony Pua, who served as the MP for Damansara from 2018 to 2022. Ong had been a member of DAP's executive council but failed to retain his position in the 2022 party election. He did not contest the DAP elections last year. Ong also chose not to retain his position in DAP Selangor in 2024, claiming that opponents from other states would campaign against him.

Syaza believes that Ong's decision to leave DAP is largely due to his relationship with the party. She added that Ong may feel that his time with DAP has come to an end, but he may be disappointed by the party's response from members of the middle-aged generation who favor him and blame DAP. He said that while younger members may not be as impressed, DAP should listen to the views of those who disagree with the party.

Chin stated that DAP still has many capable and intelligent individuals, even if they are not as prominent as Ong. He said the bigger problem is that DAP, since 2018, has become less prepared to stand together due to concerns about backlash from Malay voters. Azmi Hassan from the Nusantara Academy said that Ong's resignation will not have an immediate significant impact on DAP, but other young professionals will also leave the party.