Political Shifts and Tensions Within the Democratic Action Party (DAP)
The Democratic Action Party (DAP) in Malaysia has found itself at the center of political turmoil and internal strife, particularly following the dramatic events of the 2018 general election. At that time, the DAP, along with its allies in the Pakatan Harapan coalition and former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, successfully ousted the long-standing ruling alliance led by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). This historic victory marked a significant shift in Malaysia’s political landscape, but it also sowed the seeds of internal conflict within the DAP. The Lim family, a influential political dynasty within the party, drew criticism for perceived favoritism when several young politicians aligned with them were appointed to key ministerial and government positions. This move ruffled feathers within the party, creating tensions that would later boil over.
The political instability that followed the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government after just 22 months in power further exacerbated these divisions. Deep-seated differences between the DAP and other ethnic Malay-based parties within the coalition led to the government’s downfall, plunging the country into a period of political uncertainty. It wasn’t until the November 2022 national elections, when Anwar Ibrahim assumed the premiership and formed a unity government comprising four other political coalitions, that a measure of stability was restored. However, the DAP’s internal struggles persisted, creating an uneasy calm within the party.
Allegations of Favoritism and Generational Shifts
Despite performing well in the 2022 elections, securing 40 parliamentary seats out of the 55 it contested, the DAP has been grappling with growing dissatisfaction among its ranks. A significant source of tension has been the leadership’s decision to drop several veteran members of parliament from the election lineup in favor of relatively new faces perceived to be aligned with the Lim family. This move has deepened allegations of favoritism and has not gone down well with long-standing party members and supporters. One notable casualty of this shift was Charles Santiago, a veteran DAP politician who was dropped from defending his seat in Klang, a port town outside Kuala Lumpur. Santiago, now the chairman of the National Water Services Commission, is among those who have publicly expressed frustration over the direction the party is taking.
Phoon Wing Keong, a researcher at the Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies, has noted that the generational shift within the DAP is testing public sentiment toward the party. As senior party veterans step down and the middle generation takes full control of the party’s direction, questions have been raised about whether the new leadership can maintain the trust and confidence of both party members and the broader electorate. Phoon specifically questioned whether Loke Siew Fook, who replaced Lim Guan Eng as the party’s secretary-general in March 2022, can unite the party under his more subdued leadership style. Unlike the Lim family, who have been known for their outspoken and assertive approach, Loke is seen as more restrained and has cultivated cordial relationships with leaders of the coalition members in the Anwar government.
Undercurrents of Dissatisfaction and Loss of Voice
Beneath the surface of the DAP’s electoral success, there are undercurrents of dissatisfaction among its hardcore supporters. Historically a multi-racial party with a predominantly Chinese membership, the DAP has long drawn its support from urban voters and professionals in major towns and cities across Malaysia. The party has been a vocal advocate for issues such as anti-corruption measures, education reform, and equitable economic opportunities, particularly within the Chinese community. However, under Loke’s leadership, the DAP has become less outspoken and is perceived by some as playing a more subservient role within the government. This shift has frustrated some party members, who feel that the DAP is no longer living up to its tradition of being a bold and critical voice in Malaysian politics.
Factions within the party aligned with the Lim family have argued that Lim Guan Eng should be allowed to play a more prominent role in the party, as he remains one of the few DAP leaders willing to speak out against government shortcomings. This sentiment has been fueled by controversies such as the Attorney General’s decision to discontinue corruption charges against UMNO politicians, some of whom now hold roles in the current government. The perception that the DAP is not adequately holding the government accountable for such decisions has further strained relations within the party and raised concerns among its supporters.
The Road Ahead for the DAP
As the DAP navigates this tumultuous period, it faces significant challenges in maintaining its relevance and unity. The party’s ability to reconcile its internal divisions and strike a balance between its traditional values and its role within the current government will be crucial in determining its future trajectory. The leadership of Loke Siew Fook will be closely watched, as he seeks to steer the party through these choppy waters while keeping its diverse membership and support base intact. Whether the DAP can emerge from this period of internal strife stronger and more united remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the road ahead will require careful navigation and a renewed commitment to the principles that have long defined the party.
