DAP must dispel its anti-Malay, anti-Islam image, say analysts

Analysts believe that the DAP party must address its anti-Malay and anti-Islam image to maintain its support base among Chinese voters. Syaza Shukri, a professor at the International Islamic University Malaysia, claims that Malay voters have been repeatedly told since the 2018 general election that DAP is anti-Islam. She asserts that DAP must clearly recognize Malays as the majority to dispel its anti-Malay image.

Shukri urges the DAP to focus on individuals or organizations that fuel tensions rather than painting all Malays as anti-Chinese or anti-Indian. She emphasizes that the best way to preserve the rights of non-Malays is to demonstrate that the party comprehends the Malays.

DAP Secretary-General Loke Siew Fook has stated that the party must build support beyond its traditional base for the next general election while retaining its core Chinese support. However, James Chin, an analyst from the University of Tasmania, explains that Loke is walking a difficult tightrope. Some hardcore DAP supporters, primarily Chinese, are uncomfortable with the party's efforts to reach out to Malay voters.

Chin attributes this discomfort to some hardcore supporters who prefer DAP to remain a Chinese-based party. Nevertheless, Chin warns that if DAP fails to gain support from Malay or Indian communities, the party will become increasingly smaller in the years to come.