AT THE 18th National DAP Congress held on March 16, 2025, at the Ideal Convention Centre Shah Alam, DAP national chairperson Lim Guan Eng emphasised the party’s unwavering support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim while asserting its independence.
Lim led 3,204 delegates in applauding Anwar, who attended as prime minister for the first time, highlighting DAP’s role in his rise to power.
He stated, “DAP is proud that we helped you become the prime minister and will continue to do so.”
However, he added that DAP is not a ‘yes-man’ party, but a ‘yes-man’ to the voters and the people of Malaysia.”
Lim praised the political and institutional reforms of the past 28 months but urged faster economic reforms to address challenges like potential US tariffs under President Donald Trump, suggesting financial aid for affected businesses and delays in burdensome policies.
Meanwhile, AP Secretary-General Anthony Loke emphasised that the party has not lost its voice despite transitioning from opposition to government.
He highlighted DAP’s strategic approach to advocacy, favoring dialogues and meetings over public confrontation, as solutions take precedence.
Loke pointed to the withdrawal of a controversial constitutional amendment that would have revoked automatic citizenship for foundlings as a key example of DAP’s influence within the government, demonstrating how the party effectively shapes policy while in power.
“Let me say this today. Today we are in government. There is a way to speak out. Not only do we have to speak out, but we need to hold dialogues, have meetings. Most importantly, we need to find solutions,” he added.
“If we just speak out but the problem is not solved, what is the point? There is not one issue that we did not speak out on,” he said to 3,204 delegates and leaders gathered at the Ideal Convention Centre, Shah Alam. —Mar 16, 2025
Main image: Lim Guan Eng (Facebook)
