DAP needs to be flexible in reassessing its decision to remain in the federal government if there are developments detrimental to the party's interests.
Its Deputy Secretary-General Ramkarpal Singh said the matter should be considered ahead of the DAP congress, and the decision should not be considered a commitment regardless of what happens in the future.
"It should be clarified that delegates have the freedom to re-evaluate the decision to remain in the government if there are reasonable grounds to do so in the future.
"This matter is important to emphasise because there may be a misconception that a vote to remain in the government for the remainder of this parliamentary term means remaining no matter what happens, even if future events prove detrimental to the party's interests," he said in a statement on Facebook.
More than 4,200 DAP delegates are reported to be attending the DAP congress scheduled to be held in Putrajaya this Sunday, to determine whether the party should remain in the Federal government until the end of the term.
Meanwhile, Ramkarpal, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bukit Gelugor, explained that among the circumstances considered detrimental to the party's interests is if UMNO insists on seeking a pardon and release of its former President, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
"Whether this matter crosses a red line or not should be something open to consideration by the delegates.
"They should be free to choose to leave the government in such a situation even though they voted to remain in the government this Sunday," he said.
The DAP National Bureau Chairman also praised DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke for trying to provide objective explanations to delegates on the pros and cons of the party remaining in or leaving the government.
According to him, the explanation was also supported by independent analysis and data to help delegates make a decision.
"I believe the delegates present better understand the things that need to be considered before voting this weekend.
"Whether the proposal is labelled as an 'exit clause' or otherwise, it is still in the best interest of the party," he stressed. – August 14, 2026
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