{
  "id": 327924,
  "title": "2 ex-MPs pour cold water on Sim’s plan to moot policy changes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/2-ex-mps-pour-cold-water-on-sims-plan-to-moot-policy-changes",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-08T23:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/09/2-ex-mps-pour-cold-water-on-sim-s-plan-to-moot-policy-changes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two former DAP MPs, Kua Kia Soong and Charles Santiago, have dismissed Steven Sim's plan to meet Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to propose policy changes following Pakatan Harapan's loss in the recent Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections. Kua cautioned Sim not to discuss policy changes without laying out the specifics, highlighting that many proposed policies from the 2018 PH election manifesto remain unaddressed, such as federal recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC). Kua also questioned Sim's ability to influence the prime minister and compared DAP's approach to past MCA behavior during Barisan Nasional's rule. Charles Santiago expressed confusion over Sim's remarks, given that he is already a member of Anwar's Cabinet, and suggested that the DAP should be implementing low-hanging policy changes like a minimum wage for gig workers or a national school meal plan to boost public support.",
  "summary": "Kua Kia Soong says Steven Sim should outline his proposals, while Charles Santiago points out that the minister already has the chance to speak with the prime minister at the weekly Cabinet meetings.",
  "key_points": [
    "Two former DAP MPs, Kua and Charles, dismiss Steven Sim's plan.",
    "Kua urges Sim to present specific policy changes, noting unaddressed 2018 PH manifesto policies.",
    "Charles questions Sim's influence on PM Anwar and suggests DAP implement low-hanging policy changes."
  ],
  "editors_take": "This criticism from within the party suggests that DAP's internal debate is intensifying over its strategy to regain public support and influence policy changes under Anwar Ibrahim's leadership.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "2 ex-MPs pour cold water on Sim’s plan to moot policy changes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/2-ex-mps-pour-cold-water-on-sims-plan-to-moot-policy-changes-333381",
        "published": "2026-08-08T23:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}