DAP decides to remain in government

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) has decided to remain in the Federal Government after a significant majority of delegates at its 2026 National Congress voted in favor of continuing its participation.

The congress, held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, saw 2,223 delegates attend, representing 52.1% of eligible voters. Out of 1,857 votes cast, 1,857 supported remaining in government, while 242 voted to leave, and seven ballots were spoiled. DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke announced that nearly 88% of the votes favored staying in the government until the end of its term.

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This is so that we can provide focus and attention to implement the changes and promises that we have made in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) manifesto.

Loke stated that the Central Executive Committee (CEC) views this decision as a clear mandate for the party leadership to continue serving in government and to advance its reform agenda. "This is so that we can provide focus and attention to implement the changes and promises that we have made in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) manifesto," he said during a press conference. He emphasized that this mandate from the delegates is a significant responsibility for the party leadership.

Addressing concerns about the number of absent delegates, Loke dismissed suggestions that it indicated protest. He explained that DAP delegates come from grassroots levels and may face various constraints preventing their attendance. He noted that attendance rates for party elections are typically around 70%, making the current congress's attendance rate considered high for a non-election event. Loke also clarified that DAP has no agenda to pressure Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim through the convention, stating that DAP's agenda aligns with the broader Pakatan Harapan and Unity Government consensus. He highlighted specific reforms, such as the separation of powers between the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor, as priorities for immediate implementation.

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We know political enemies say we want to use this convention or this conference to pressure the Prime Minister with DAP's agenda. DAP's agenda is an agenda that has been mutually agreed upon in PH and mutually agreed upon in the Unity Government.