The Democratic Action Party (DAP) will hold a national convention on August 16 to allow its delegates to decide the party's future role within the federal government. Secretary-general Anthony Loke announced that the party's central executive committee (CEC) has decided to table a formal motion asking whether the party should remain in the current administration until the end of the parliamentary term. This move follows a period of internal reflection and recent electoral challenges, including the party's performance in the Negeri Sembilan state election.
Loke emphasized that the decision rests entirely with the more than 4,000 qualified delegates who will attend the convention. The CEC has intentionally refrained from taking an official stance on the matter to ensure that delegates maintain full independence when casting their secret ballots. By utilizing a ballot-based voting system, the party aims to reflect the collective will of its grassroots members rather than relying on top-down directives from the senior leadership.
This upcoming vote is a significant moment for the party, which is a key component of the Pakatan Harapan coalition. While the leadership has discussed the implications of the party's position, Loke noted that individual opinions among committee members do not constitute an official party policy. The convention is intended to provide a clear mandate for the party's direction, addressing ongoing political pressures and the need for internal clarity as the government navigates its current term.
As the August 16 date approaches, the focus remains on how the grassroots will respond to the motion. The outcome will likely influence the party's strategy and its relationship with other coalition partners in the federal government. For now, the leadership has committed to respecting the democratic process and the final decision reached by the delegates.