DAP’s decision to remain in the unity government until the end of the parliamentary term has been viewed as a strategic move to retain political influence ahead of the next general election.
Political analyst Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia said remaining in government gave DAP access to power and a role in policymaking.
‘If they’re not at the decision-making table, it will be tough for them. It shows that DAP doesn’t want to take the risk of leaving the government when GE16 is approaching,’ he told FMT.
However, he said the decision was a double-edged sword, as the Pakatan Harapan component would also have to share responsibility for any weaknesses or failures of the unity government.
Influence comes with political risks
Sivamurugan said withdrawing from government positions could have strengthened DAP’s image as a free and principled party.
However, he said losing its influence in government would be a greater risk with GE16 approaching.
Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Mujibu Abd Muis described DAP’s decision as a pragmatic move to ensure the party remains involved in government policymaking.
He said the political cost of leaving the government was much higher than the potential benefits DAP could gain.
At DAP’s special congress on Sunday, 1,857 of 2,099 delegates voted for the party to remain in the government.
The congress was called in February, three months after DAP was wiped out of the Sabah assembly in the November 2025 state election.
DAP subsequently suffered several more key defeats in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections, although it remains the best-performing party among PH components.
DAP sets deadline for reforms
DAP has given Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim a year-end deadline for the passage of key reforms, including separating the roles of the attorney-general and public prosecutor, as well as introducing a two-term limit for the prime minister’s post.
Sivamurugan disagreed with the view that remaining in government amounted to a betrayal of DAP’s principles, saying the party was adapting to political realities.
‘It’s tough to translate your principles into policies without power, but power without principles would also erode the party’s identity,’ he said.
He said DAP’s challenge would be to convince its grassroots that remaining a key participant in the unity government was consistent with the party’s mandate and aspirations.
‘The outcome of GE16 will determine whether this was the right decision,’ he said.
