Loke’s decision may not quell DAP frustration, say analysts

Political analysts doubt that the DAP's decision for only its secretary-general, Loke Siew Fook, to resign as minister will ease concerns among grassroots members over Najib Razak's conditional pardon. Some argue that a complete resignation of all five DAP ministers would be more effective in retaining support. Lau Zhe Wei of International Islamic University of Malaysia contends that such an action would not jeopardize the unity government's stability, as all 40 DAP MPs can continue supporting it in Parliament.

He suggests that the current decision has left the party in a challenging position with its supporters, especially those from the Chinese community, who are already dissatisfied following recent election losses. Lau proposes that all ministers resign to better preserve Chinese support for the future, but acknowledges that it is a sensitive issue.

Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Oh Ei Sun predicts that DAP supporters might not be satisfied with a half-hearted approach and may regain their backing if all ministers resign en masse. However, Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara advises that DAP's grassroots should not be overly concerned about the conditional pardon, as Najib underwent due process and received the pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

He believes that Loke's single resignation was the prudent choice, as a full party resignation could have provided additional ammunition to Umno in pressuring Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to dissolve Parliament.