DAP mungkin guna strategi ‘kekal gabungan, tak terikat’, kata penganalisis

Analysts suggest that the Democratic Action Party (DAP) may consider a "stay in the coalition but not bound" strategy following the 2016 general election to maintain its political course while preserving the party's principles, according to Wong Chin Huat from Sunway University. This approach would allow DAP to continue working with the People's Justice Party (PKR) and Amanah within the Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance, while being prepared to return to the opposition benches if the coalition chooses to form a government with Umno or PAS without considering the party's fundamental requirements.

Wong emphasized that decisive decisions after PRU16 are crucial for DAP as the party still needs cross-ethnic alliance partners. Similarly, Wong noted that DAP faces challenges from the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Bersatu, and the risk of lower voter turnout if PH joins the Umno or PAS-led government. Wong stated that DAP is prepared to accept the option of returning to the opposition benches, as suggested by its deputy secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, who is set to step down from the position.

Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid from the University of Science, Malaysia, echoed the importance of the opposition stance, stating that it enables DAP representatives to more vocally represent the people's concerns, especially among the grassroots who are a key support base. He emphasized that voicing people's issues in Parliament is more important for grassroots members than joining a government that might force them to compromise their collective responsibility.

However, Ahmad highlighted the existence of a gap between leadership and grassroots perspectives, with the party leadership now needing to convince supporters of the benefits of joining a mixed government to implement specific principles.