KUALA LUMPUR – DAP is unlikely to leave the unity government despite mounting internal pressure following its recent electoral setbacks, with political analysts viewing the party’s proposed motion on government participation as a warning to the administration rather than an immediate exit plan.
Political analyst Dr G. Manimaran said DAP was likely to remain in the government until the end of the current parliamentary term, while using the debate to push for changes in government policies and direction.
“I think they will remain in. They won’t withdraw from government. They will remain in the government until the end of the mandate or until Parliament is dissolved,” he told Scoop.
Manimaran said the motion reflected concerns among DAP supporters, who wanted the party to remain in government but take a stronger role in holding the administration accountable and ensuring its policies benefited the public.
“They will continue to support Anwar, then say, okay, we maintain our support, but review the policy and the direction of the government,” he said.
Universiti Malaya political analyst Datuk Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the motion reflected genuine concern within DAP that its participation in government was no longer translating into stronger electoral support.
He said grassroots members increasingly felt that DAP was bearing the political cost of unpopular government decisions without receiving sufficient credit for its policy achievements.
“Nevertheless, the motion is also a strategic pressure mechanism. It allows the leadership to demonstrate that it is listening to party members while strengthening its bargaining position within the unity government,” he said.
Awang Azman said the debate was ultimately less about leaving the government and more about rebuilding support ahead of the next general election.
“It is fundamentally more about rebuilding voter confidence and repositioning DAP before the next general election,” he added.
He said leaving the government would also carry significant political risks, particularly as DAP remains a major component of the administration.
“Leaving government would not automatically solve these problems,” he said, adding that DAP instead needed to demonstrate that its participation in government had resulted in meaningful reforms and improvements.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia associate professor Dr Mazlan Ali, meanwhile, said DAP’s proposal could be seen as an acknowledgement of the party’s weaknesses following poor results in Sabah and unsatisfactory performances in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.
“DAP’s poor performance in Sabah, and the unsatisfactory achievements in Johor and Negeri Sembilan have made the party aware of the rejection by the people, especially the Chinese community,” he said.
Mazlan said remaining in government would nevertheless give DAP an opportunity to address policy shortcomings, conduct a post-mortem and respond to public concerns.
“If DAP remains in government, it will give the party an opportunity to correct policy mistakes, conduct a post-mortem, identify the needs and complaints of the people,” he said.
He added that DAP appeared to be focusing on recovering lost support rather than making an immediate break from the administration.
“I think DAP is more focused on recovery efforts and rebuilding the people’s confidence in the party,” he said.
Manimaran also said DAP needed to adopt a stronger approach in government, particularly on issues affecting the public and business community.
“They need to show they are a strong worker in the unity government administration,” he said, citing issues such as digital invoicing, the cost of living, business opportunities and good governance.
With DAP facing pressure from its grassroots while remaining a key component of the unity government, the proposed motion is likely to test the party’s ability to balance its role in government with the expectations of its traditional supporters.
For now, the analysts expect DAP to remain in the administration while pushing for a stronger political and policy direction ahead of the next general election.
Following Anthony Loke’s resignation as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman after his defeat in Chennah, the party is set to decide at its National Convention on Aug 16 whether it will remain in the government until the end of the current Parliament’s term. – August 10, 2026