KUALA LUMPUR — DAP delegates will vote at a special congress on July 12 if the party should give up its cabinet posts, while maintaining legislative support for the Madani government.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the special congress will be held on July 12, with over 4,000 central delegates attending to decide on a major political decision amidst criticism of the party from its support base over the slow pace of reforms in government.
Loke said this in an interview with Sin Chew Daily, where he discussed DAP’s third year in the unity government and mixed public reception of its performance.
“Our 40 MPs will ensure the government’s stability. Whether we continue serving as ministers or deputy ministers, or resign from all posts, including local councils and government-linked bodies, will be decided by the delegates,” said Loke, who currently serves as Transport Minister.
In the present cabinet, DAP has five ministerial and seven deputy ministerial posts.
“If the delegates decide that we should change our roles, that we shouldn’t play a role in the government, and that we should withdraw, even if it means resigning, if everyone makes this decision, we must obey,” Loke added.
He described the motion as an internal referendum and one which the DAP leadership and all members must adhere to, as the vote represents the delegates’ will.
“We do it (this way) because the highest decision-making body in our party is the national congress. Therefore, I want everyone in the party to understand and be in unison.
“If we stay (in the government), the entire party shares this responsibility. If everyone wants to stay, your mindset, your behaviour, your work, and your statements, all need to be adjusted and aligned.”
Loke said the party’s MPs will continue to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament until the next general election.
The vote should should not be interpreted as leverage against the Prime Minister, he added, assuring the DAP has no intention of destabilising the administration or facilitating a “backdoor government”.
“This is not a threat, but a review of our role in government. We will ensure the government remains stable,” he said, adding that some members were still adjusting to the pressures of being in government after years in opposition.
To prepare party members ahead of the special congress, Loke said there will be tours to various parts of the country to meet the grassroots.
Following a wipeout in the November Sabah state election, the party initiated a six-month reform window to reevaluate its standing within the ruling coalition.
Loke said this period is vital for Anwar’s government to deliver tangible outcomes through constitutional amendments, institutional reforms and new policies.
The 16th general election must be held by February 2028 at the latest, and Loke said the motion voted on at the congress will set the party’s course in the ensuing 12 to 18 months. – February 20, 2026