DAP should keep its strategic options open ahead of the 16th general election (GE16), including the potential for withdrawing from the Pakatan Harapan coalition.
According to Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia, the party must carefully assess its position if it hopes to maintain its traditional support from the Chinese community.
The analyst noted that the party’s popularity has recently declined as grassroots groups push for resolutions on long-standing issues, such as the recognition of the United Examination Certificate.
These demands have met with resistance even from within the PKR leadership, creating a challenging environment for DAP as the next national polls draw closer.
Fauzi explained that as a party traditionally rooted in the Chinese working class, its leaders are now facing the reality of being viewed as incumbents who struggle to deliver on promises.
He suggested that keeping options open, including a departure from the coalition it co-founded in 2015, may be necessary to prevent losing the bulk of its current support.
Internal rifts and external pressures
The political landscape is further complicated by external factors, specifically the growing divide between the faction led by Rafizi Ramli and the broader PKR leadership.
Fauzi warned that this open conflict could negatively impact the coalition’s performance among urban and non-Malay voters, particularly if Rafizi chooses to contest against the current coalition.
Such a scenario could lead non-Malay voters to distance themselves from Pakatan Harapan, potentially benefiting rival parties like MCA, MIC, or Gerakan.
Speculation regarding a snap election has intensified following hints from Rafizi that he might contest his parliamentary seat under a different banner, while other allies have suggested a new political composition for GE16.
DAP is already facing pressure following a significant loss in the Sabah state election last November.
Since then, party leaders have become more vocal regarding legal reforms and allegations involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
A special congress scheduled for July 12 will determine whether party leaders should resign from government posts while still supporting the administration of Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament.
Challenges from credible candidates
While some believe a third force may not entirely break the party’s dominance, James Chin from the University of Tasmania argued that DAP could face severe tests in specific seats.
He noted that the party’s hold on certain constituencies might be threatened if they are challenged by independent candidates who possess high public credibility and strong personal followings.
Chin pointed out that such candidates would likely gain traction in urban areas by focusing on issues of governance and integrity.
He suggested that while the party has nothing to fear from less established rivals, credible individuals could cause the party to lose seats that were previously considered safe.
Despite these risks, Chin maintained that the majority of the party’s seats remain secure for now.
This stability is largely due to the substantial vote majorities the party has secured in previous elections, providing a buffer against immediate political shifts.
