DAP’s cold shoulder over election forecasts led to my exit, says Kian Ming

Former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming claimed he was gradually sidelined in the DAP party after his election predictions didn't align with their views. In an interview with the Keluar Sekejap podcast, Ong explained that he predicted both the Pakatan Harapan (PH) defeat in the Johor state election and the potential loss of DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook's Chennah state seat.

Ong stated that these predictions were not intended to undermine PH or DAP, but rather to highlight the strong anti-PH political current and ummah unity narrative. Despite his contributions to DAP, including serving as the assistant political education director and deputy international trade and industry minister under the previous PH government, Ong felt that he was not adequately engaged by DAP leaders regarding his predictions.

This lack of engagement, combined with DAP's displeasure over his election forecasts, ultimately led to his resignation from the party on August 31. Ong has ruled out joining another party or contesting the 16th general election, but has reaffirmed his support for former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin if he is fielded as a candidate.

Ong noted that his marginalisation in DAP had been a gradual process, not an abrupt one. He also mentioned that losing the central executive committee election in 2022 indicated that experienced individuals like himself and former DAP leader Tony Pua had overstayed their welcome in the party.