THE DAP is weighing its future within Malaysia’s ruling Madani coalition following the government’s lukewarm response to misconduct allegations at the anti-graft agency.
While maintaining current stability, party leaders warn of a strategic rethink ahead of the next elections to preserve credibility.
DAP specifically demands a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the immediate removal of its chief.
Disillusioned by slow-paced governance reforms and recent electoral losses, the party plans a July summit to decide if leaders should resign from cabinet positions.
Failure to implement promised reforms risks a total collapse of the pact.
Speaking with Reuters, the DAP disciplinary chief Tony Pua Kiam Wee, who was a vocal critic of previous governments headed by UMNO, said:
“I expect the party to evaluate its position in the relevant coalitions when the time comes for elections to determine the best strategy going forward,” Pua told Reuters.
For the current term, Pua said the DAP will maintain its support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to prevent political instability, despite mounting internal frustrations.
DAP currently holds 40 seats compared with PKR’s 31. It plans to meet in July to decide whether its leaders should resign from all government positions, including the cabinet – a move that Pua said was necessary if promised reforms were not implemented.
“If we don’t withdraw, the party will lose all credibility and can expect a punishing outcome from the elections,” Pua said.
Meanwhile, Anwar has dismissed calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, despite allegations of shareholding breaches and “corporate mafia” collusion.
While the government awaits a special committee report due this week, the DAP has issued a stern ultimatum.
Earlier, party leaders warned that a weak response threatens coalition stability and voter trust, potentially forcing a strategic re-evaluation of their partnership ahead of the next national elections.
Analysts believe Anwar’s stance might impact the coalition ahead of the next general elections.
“If this issue is not contained or solved quickly, it will be a major issue until the next election,” said Adib Zalkapli of political risk consultancy Viewfinder Global Affairs. — March 7, 2026
