THE Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) decision on whether to remain in the MADANI national unity government could prove pivotal to the stability and political direction of the Federal Government, with the party widely expected to stay but potentially using its continued participation to demand stronger reforms and clearer political safeguards.
About 4,000 delegates are expected to determine the party’s position at its congress tomorrow, with the outcome extending beyond DAP itself given its 40 Members of Parliament, including five Federal ministers, and its role in sustaining the parliamentary strength of Pakatan Harapan.
A decision to remain would preserve the existing coalition structure and allow the Government to continue pursuing its economic, governance and institutional reform agenda without another bout of political uncertainty.
It would also reinforce the argument that maintaining political stability should take precedence over withdrawing from government following DAP’s electoral setbacks in Sabah, Johor and Negri Sembilan.
However, a decision to stay is unlikely to amount to an unconditional endorsement of the MADANI administration.
Party insiders and political analysts expect DAP to seek greater assurances on reforms, governance and its position within the coalition, while pressing for stronger measures to counter the use of race and religion as instruments of political division.
The party could also seek clearer boundaries over UMNO’s role in the coalition amid the resurgence of the UMNO-PAS political bloc and growing support for Perikatan Nasional (PN).
The stakes are particularly high for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Should DAP withdraw, the Government could face renewed questions over its durability and parliamentary strength, while other coalition partners could come under pressure to reassess their own positions.
Such a move could also give the Opposition greater political space to portray the MADANI administration as divided and increasingly unable to maintain cohesion following a series of electoral setbacks.
For DAP, however, leaving the Government would carry substantial political risks of its own.
The party would have to weigh internal dissatisfaction against the possibility that its withdrawal could trigger another period of political instability and strengthen the momentum of PN and the UMNO-PAS combination.
Local think tank fellow Amir Nordin said DAP was likely to exercise restraint given the wider geopolitical and economic uncertainties confronting Malaysia and the region.
"I think DAP would be restrained. It is more about safeguarding the country at a time when geo-politics are heightened and the rest of the world is reeling from living costs issues, worsened with the conflict in the Middle East, supply chain inconsistencies and even regional concerns," he said.
Amir said no political entity would want to be blamed for triggering another period of political instability, particularly after the national unity government was formed to reduce excessive political manoeuvring and provide greater stability.
Party veteran Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh has similarly argued that DAP should not abandon the Government during a political "storm", but should establish terms that protect the party’s interests and enable it to emerge stronger once the turbulence subsides.
Penang DAP deputy chairman Ramkarpal Singh Deo said the party should retain sufficient flexibility to consider alternative political options if its relationship with UMNO became increasingly difficult.
The outcome could therefore determine not only whether DAP remains in the Cabinet, but also the conditions under which it continues supporting the MADANI administration.
If it stays, DAP is expected to push harder for reforms that produce tangible improvements for ordinary Malaysians, particularly the B40 segment, while demanding stronger governance, wider economic opportunities and more visible action against corruption.
Anwar has already taken steps that could help reassure sections of DAP, including the declassification of the Royal Commission of Inquiry report into Tabung Haji and his announcement that the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) should be abolished.
Perak DAP adviser Datuk Seri Ngeh Koo Nam has urged delegates to support remaining in government, arguing that withdrawal would only add to political uncertainty at a time when stability remains crucial.
Party veteran Jeffery Chew Gim Eam said DAP could ultimately be remembered as a party that chose stability despite pressure from political rivals seeking to exploit racial and religious issues to divide Malaysians.
He said the Government must now ensure that economic growth is felt by the B40 segment and that reforms translate into meaningful improvements in people's lives.
Ultimately, DAP’s decision could shape the next phase of the MADANI government — either reinforcing coalition cohesion and giving Anwar greater room to pursue his reform agenda, or opening a new period of political uncertainty that could alter the balance of power ahead of the next general election. - August 15, 2026
