WHAT has happened to the once vociferous voices of DAP in championing the sacred principle of separation of powers between the judiciary, the executive and the legislature?
When in opposition, DAP stood tall as a defender of judicial independence, human rights and other fundamental tenets of democracy and justice. Its leaders were relentless in holding those in power accountable, hence they earned respect for speaking truth to power.
Today, however, their silence is thunderous.
If nine MPs from PKR led by former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli can summon the courage to call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) and the formation of a parliamentary select committee to investigate Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s alleged interference in the judiciary, why are the 40 DAP MPs unable – or unwilling – to utter a single word in support?
Where are the supposed champions of democracy in Parliament?
Why does the DAP leadership hesitate to support Rafizi and the eight other PKR MPs in their principled call for accountability and transparency?
The public is left wondering: Is this silence born out of fear? Fear that endorsing an RCI on judicial independence might rupture their sacred ties with the Madani government?
Integrity, principle forsaken
Is there an unspoken understanding that DAP leaders must stay silent in exchange for power, positions and perks?
If this is true, then DAP has not only misled but actively misrepresented its constituencies – those who placed their trust in the party to uphold the ideals of reform, justice and democratic governance.
Is the DAP of today – comfortably in government – so fundamentally different from the DAP of yesteryears when the party was in the opposition?
Despite holding 40 parliamentary seats, DAP wields far less political clout/influence than its smaller coalition partners like UMNO or Barisan Nasional (BN) which have just over 20 seats.
Has the pursuit of political power so blinded the party that it is now willing to forsake the very principles and ideology that once inspired millions?
The judiciary remains the final and fragile bulwark against unchecked executive power. Yet, the actions – or inactions – of the Madani government under Anwar’s leadership are steadily eroding its independence and credibility.
If standing up for an RCI means DAP must exit the corridors of power, then let that departure be a principled one.
Let it be a testament to the party’s enduring commitment to democratic values. Because a DAP in government without integrity is worth far less than a DAP in the political wilderness with its ideals intact. – July 10, 2025
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
