The Democratic Action Party (DAP) is heading into what may be the most consequential internal decision in its history.
On July 12, 2026 more than 4,000 delegates will gather in a special congress to determine whether the party’s officeholders should resign from all government positions - or remain within the unity administration led by Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Party secretary-general Anthony Loke has described the gathering as an internal “referendum” - an unprecedented move that shifts such a weighty decision from the central executive committee (CEC) to the party’s top deliberative assembly.
Regardless of the outcome, Loke has assured that DAP’s 40 MPs will continue supporting the government until the next general election. Stability, he insists, will not be compromised. But credibility and direction are very much at stake.
The Sabah Shock and a Crisis of Confidence
The urgency behind this congress stems from DAP’s disastrous performance in the recent Sabah state election, where the party lost all eight seats it contested. The defeat was widely seen as a referendum on peninsula-based parties and a stark warning sign for DAP and Pakatan Harapan.
Loke himself described the result as a “strong and unmistakable message.” The July congress is meant to answer that message - but whether it will satisfy disillusioned supporters remains uncertain.
Public Anger: “Unconditional Support Was the First Mistake”
Many public voices believe Loke’s early pledge of unwavering support to Anwar was a strategic misstep. To them, that “100% support” muted DAP’s assertiveness and weakened its negotiating leverage within the coalition.
Support, they argue, should never be unconditional. It must be grounded in core principles - fairness, institutional reform, and equal treatment for all Malaysians. Some critics go further, suggesting that accountability should begin with the leadership itself, with calls for Loke to step down if the party is to reset its course. Otherwise, they warn, DAP may go the way of MCA.
Some even propose a leadership reshuffle, suggesting that Lim Guan Eng return to the top position, alongside the reactivation of figures such as Tony Pua, Ong Kian Ming, and others to take on more active roles within the party.
Perception of Weakness Against Umno
Another recurring frustration is the perception that Umno has overshadowed DAP within the unity government. Some critics liken DAP to a eunuch serving the emperor. The most important Cabinet posts have been given to Umno, not DAP. As a result, DAP appears to be merely used, and its star is fading fast due to what many see as an overly compromising approach.
Critics say DAP ministers have faced public rebukes from coalition partners without mounting strong pushback, creating the impression that DAP has been politically subdued while others consolidate influence.
Some supporters feel the party has become a convenient punching bag - absorbing political attacks in the name of unity while others capitalise on communal narratives. They argue that the party keeps silent even when the government does things that are highly detested by the rakyat. This has led many to question whether unity is being preserved for national stability - or merely for political survival.
Yet even among critics, there is caution. Pulling out abruptly, they acknowledge, could destabilise the country during uncertain global economic times. The dilemma is real - but patience, they warn, cannot be infinite.
Walk Out With Dignity: Or Stay and Fight?
The party’s base appears deeply divided.
One camp urges DAP to walk out of executive roles with dignity, arguing that remaining in government while appearing powerless erodes the party’s identity. To them, resigning would send a strong signal that principles matter more than positions.
Another camp insists resignation would only reduce DAP’s ability to influence policy. They argue the party should remain in government but become more vocal and diplomatically assertive - openly articulating its stance on contentious national issues, even if it creates friction within the coalition.
Preventing a “backdoor government,” they say, is not enough. Voters expect DAP to shape policy, not merely preserve numbers.
Skepticism Over the July 12 Move
Not all are convinced the congress itself represents genuine reform. Some see it as a delaying tactic - a political manoeuvre designed to buy time and repair credibility after the Sabah defeat.
They question what real leverage DAP would have if it resigns from Cabinet posts but continues to guarantee parliamentary support. If reforms stall, what then? Would the party escalate - or once again prioritise stability? It might as well pull out of the coalition rather than wait to cross the bridge when it comes.
To add insult to injury, resigning from Cabinet and GLC posts without withdrawing from the coalition would only benefit parties that are more than happy - especially Umno and Barisan Nasional - to take over those positions at the expense of DAP voters.
To these critics, symbolism without structural change will not restore trust.
A Leadership Defining Moment
Ultimately, July 12 is more than a vote on government roles. It is a referendum on Anthony Loke’s leadership and on DAP’s political identity in the unity era.
Loke has insisted there can be no ambiguity. If delegates choose to stay, the party must govern wholeheartedly. If they choose to leave, they must do so collectively. No hedging, no mixed signals.
For decades, DAP built its brand on reform, courage and principled opposition. Now, as a governing partner, it faces a more complex test: balancing responsibility with conviction.
On July 12, DAP will not merely decide whether to resign or remain. It will decide whether it still recognises itself - and whether voters still recognise it too.
By: Kpost
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