Party must now prioritise stability and collective governance: Political analyst
PETALING JAYA: DAP is under growing pressure to prove it has not lost its voice, or its base, as it navigates the constraints of power ahead of the next general election.
Analysts say the party’s transition from opposition to government has reshaped its tone and public perception, raising questions over whether it is adapting to governance or drifting from the expectations of its core supporters.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali dismissed claims that DAP has become less vocal, saying its role in government comes with inherent constraints.
“DAP cannot act like it did when it was in the opposition before,” he said, adding that the party must now prioritise stability and collective governance.
He added that DAP has long dominated Chinese-majority and urban constituencies, particularly since the 2008 general election when Pakatan Rakyat, now Pakatan Harapan, made significant gains.
He said the party maintained its dominance through the 2013, 2018 and 2022 general elections.
However, he pointed to the 2025 Sabah election as a potential turning point.
“After almost 19 years, DAP was rejected by their community,” he said, adding that the outcome has reignited debate over the party’s direction and reform credentials.
Despite this, Mazlan rejected suggestions that DAP is being sidelined, arguing that its role has evolved and it retains the capacity to deliver, particularly in education and community development.
He downplayed concerns over the party losing its “kingmaker” status, noting that voter behaviour at the federal level may differ from state or by-election trends.
Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun said the party’s challenge lies in balancing ideology with governance.
“For a majority of urban and Chinese voters, ideology and delivery are not mutually exclusive,” he said, highlighting that values such as meritocracy and clean governance remain closely tied to performance.
However, he said voters may prioritise principles if a party is seen to be compromising its stance.
Oh also said parties in government face limitations not present in opposition.
He said those in power cannot speak as freely and are often required to defend decisions they once criticised, emphasising that DAP must strike a careful balance to retain support.
International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said it is premature to draw firm conclusions on the party’s trajectory.
“I think for DAP, we have to wait until after their congress this July,” she said, noting that current public sentiment towards the party is “not that great”.
She also pointed to uncertainty among Chinese voters, including concerns over turnout.
“The talk has been on whether Chinese voters would go out to vote or not,” she said, acknowledging that for some, “the choice is either DAP or no one”.
Syaza added that Umno appears to be the most stable force within the unity government, signalling a shift in coalition dynamics.
In February, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party would hold a special congress in July to decide whether its leaders should resign from positions in the unity government while continuing to support it in Parliament.
He said delegates would vote on whether party leaders should step down from roles including ministers, deputy ministers, state excos, local councillors and government-linked company appointees.
This would mark the first time such a decision would be put to delegates instead of being decided by the central leadership.
