DAP delegates are likely to back staying in the unity government at the party’s national congress this Sunday, but will push Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim harder to deliver on reforms, political analyst James Chin said.
Chin said most delegates were expected to see little reason for DAP to leave the government, particularly as they believed Anwar could still rectify his mistakes and that the party could use its position to push for reforms.
“The majority of delegates will vote to stay but will pressure Anwar to undertake the reforms that are not done,” he said.
Chin said Anwar was now under greater pressure following Pakatan Harapan’s poor showing in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, with the coming Melaka election likely to add to the pressure.
He said the setbacks would also make DAP more important to Anwar as he seeks to shore up support within the government.
“Anwar will rely on DAP more than anybody else,” Chin said.
He said PKR and Amanah had performed poorly in the recent state elections, while DAP had emerged as the stronger performer among the coalition’s component parties.
That, Chin said, meant many DAP delegates were unlikely to see the party as being responsible for the government’s shortcomings.
“Many delegates feel it’s not DAP’s fault. It’s Anwar’s fault more than anyone,” he said.
“In other words, they should not be blamed for Anwar’s doing.”
Chin said DAP’s position in government also gave it an opportunity to pursue policies it had advocated for years while in opposition.
“DAP since its formation wants the government to implement its policy. Now they are in government,” he said.
His assessment comes as DAP prepares for its Aug 16 congress, which has been closely watched following the party’s recent electoral setbacks.
Political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan had previously said grassroots delegates could push for DAP to temporarily leave the unity government to rebuild the party’s image, while continuing to support Anwar and maintaining political stability.
The question has gained prominence after DAP’s weaker showing in recent state elections, including its losses in Sabah and a reduction in its seat tally in Johor.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has said the decision on the party’s direction, including its position in the unity government, would be left to delegates.
But there are already signs that some parts of the party favour staying in government.
Perak DAP said on Wednesday that it had unanimously decided to remain in the unity government and would mobilise its machinery to fulfil the people’s mandate and continue the reform agenda.
The state chapter said the decision was made to deliver on DAP’s election promises under Anwar’s leadership.
It said the prime minister had overseen various reforms over the past three years while also improving Malaysia’s standing on the international stage.
“DAP must continue to demonstrate its capabilities through achievements and work performance so as not to disappoint the people’s expectations,” it said in a statement.
Perak DAP said remaining in government would allow the party to continue implementing the Pakatan Harapan manifesto, including institutional reforms, judicial independence, efforts to combat corruption, reducing the cost of living and reforming the national revenue system.
It also said the party would continue working to safeguard the rights and freedoms of Malaysia’s multiracial society.
For Chin, the expectation is that the majority of delegates will take that approach — staying in government while using DAP’s position to press Anwar harder on reforms.
The congress will therefore put the spotlight not only on whether DAP stays or leaves, but also on how far its grassroots are prepared to push the prime minister while remaining part of his administration. – August 14, 2026
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