DAP Faces Risks if Exiting Malaysian Government, Analysts Say

Political analysts believe the Democratic Action Party (DAP) is unlikely to exit the ruling coalition government in Malaysia, primarily due to the significant risks involved. Such a move could trigger political instability and potentially lead to an earlier general election, a scenario that may not benefit the DAP itself.

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Leaving the government will bring the risk of political instability and may accelerate the general election, whereas DAP itself is not necessarily gaining profit from an early election.

Professor Datuk Dr. Sivamurugan Pandian, a political analyst, stated that leaving the government would be a high-risk strategy. He suggested that it is more pragmatic for DAP to remain within the coalition but to adopt a more critical and independent approach to its participation. This would allow the party to exert influence while avoiding the potential fallout of a government collapse.

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It is more reasonable for DAP to remain but adopt a more critical and autonomous stance.

The recent state elections have added a layer of complexity to the political landscape. The Negeri Sembilan state election saw the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition secure a majority, putting pressure on the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, which had previously led the state government. This outcome, following a similar defeat in the Johor state election, intensifies the focus on the coalition's performance ahead of the next general election.

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The Negeri Sembilan state election results have increased the possibility that DAP representatives in the Special Congress... will vote for DAP ministers and deputy ministers to resign their positions, but still support the Madani government as backbenchers.

Former Member of Parliament Dr. Ong Kian Ming noted that the Negeri Sembilan results could influence upcoming discussions within the DAP's Special Congress on August 18. A key proposal reportedly includes DAP representatives relinquishing their cabinet positions while still supporting the government from the backbenches. Dr. Ong suggested that if DAP ministers were to resign, the BN coalition might then push for the Prime Minister to dissolve Parliament prematurely.

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If this happens, BN may take steps to force the Prime Minister to dissolve Parliament earlier, for example by resigning all BN ministers.