DAP delegates at the 2026 National Congress voted 1,857 to 242 in favor of remaining in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government despite political pressure.
PUTRAJAYA: DAP delegates have voted overwhelmingly to remain in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government until the end of the parliamentary term, ending months of speculation that the party could withdraw following a string of electoral setbacks.
The decision was made through a secret ballot at DAP’s national congress here today, with 2,223 delegates eligible to vote.
A total of 2,106 ballot papers were issued, of which 2,099 were valid and seven were spoilt, congress chairman Cha Kee Chin announced.
Of the valid votes, 1,857 delegates backed remaining in the government, while 242 voted against, giving the proposal 88% support.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the result gave the party’s central executive committee (CEC) and its leaders in government a clear mandate to remain in the administration and pursue reforms.
“This is a mandate to the CEC and party leaders representing DAP in the government to continue serving.
“To continue our reform agenda and to focus on implementing the changes and promises we made in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto,” he told reporters after the congress.
The vote followed a heated debate over whether DAP’s role in the unity government had become an electoral liability, particularly after Pakatan Harapan suffered major setbacks in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.
Loke said the congress had also heard critical views from delegates who wanted the party to be more decisive and assertive in government.
He said those who opposed the motion were free to vote according to their convictions but should respect the majority decision.
Loke also rejected suggestions that the congress was intended to pressure Anwar or advance a separate DAP agenda.
He said key reforms, including separating the roles of the Attorney-General and public prosecutor, limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two terms and tackling corruption, were shared commitments under the unity government.
“Whatever agenda DAP has is not DAP’s agenda alone.
“These are shared agendas that have been agreed through the manifesto and the unity government,” he said.
Loke said DAP would also push for the e-invoicing exemption threshold to be raised so that micro and small businesses would not be subjected to the system.
He said the party would also raise concerns over diesel subsidies, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, as part of efforts to address the cost of living.
“We cannot negotiate through the media openly. We are part of the government and part of the Cabinet.
“We will bring all the aspirations and feedback from our delegates through the Cabinet channel,” he said.
Loke said maintaining stability within the unity government was crucial to ensuring that agreed reforms could be implemented.
“We do not want to create another instability within the government.
“There are certainly differences between parties in the unity government, but we need to ensure the government remains stable so that whatever we propose can be implemented,” he said.
The decision keeps DAP in Anwar’s administration despite continuing tensions within the coalition and concerns over the party’s electoral standing ahead of the next general election.
“Delegates have decided for us to remain in the government.
“This is the mandate given to us,” Loke said.
