THE election of two Malays – Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan and Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman – into DAP’s Central Executive Council (CEC) has been portrayed as a sign of growing inclusivity within the party.
However, the reality behind this symbolic gesture raises deeper concerns about the party’s true nature and priorities.
While their appointment may appear as progress, it masks an undeniable truth. Despite its repeated proclamations of being a multi-racial party, DAP remains overwhelmingly dominated by Chinese leadership and influence.
The demographic composition speaks volumes. Indians and Malays together make up roughly 65% of the Malaysian population yet they remain politically marginalised within DAP.
Those who do rise within the party are not necessarily backed by grassroots support but rather by influential factions – primarily of Chinese-dominated nature.
Without these internal endorsements, it is virtually impossible for capable and independent Malay or Indian leaders to ascend meaningfully within the party.
Chinese dominance
Within DAP, Malays and Indians often find themselves divided on whether to champion their respective community’s causes otherwise.
Even when they do, their voices are subdued by the party’s larger Chinese-dominated agenda.
In this climate, the interests and priorities of the Chinese community continue to take precedence.
Syahredzan and Syefura were not elected into the CEC because they are bold or visionary Malay leaders. On the contrary, their selection may have more to do with their agreeable, non-confrontational nature which make them more palatable to the dominant leadership.
With such weak representation, it’s difficult to see why young Malays would be drawn to DAP, especially when other political parties exist that explicitly prioritise Malay and Islamic interests.
Why join a party only to be relegated to the third echelon of leadership? Why be contented with symbolic inclusion when real influence remains elusive?
The rhetoric of increasing Malay participation in DAP is idealistic, perhaps even noble but ultimately naive.
The truth is that Malays and Indians have yet to earn real respect within the party. Too often, they are used as mere window dressing to disguise the party’s ethnic character.
A Malay DAP secretary-general?
At present, Malays do not even constitute 10% of DAP’s membership. It is difficult to see how that can change unless the party undergoes a significant ideological and structural transformation.
Even if Malays join, many may only do so if offered electoral seats – an opportunity that remains tightly controlled.
Would DAP ever be willing to appoint a Malay as chairman or secretary-general? So far, there’s little evidence to suggest this is even being considered.
Advancement within the party remains conditional on support from dominant factions which continues to limit the space for independent Indian or Malay voices.
In fact, more and more Indian members are becoming disillusioned with DAP’s direction. It is increasingly doubtful that Indians see a promising future in the party.
Syahredzan and Syefura may be sincere in their efforts but their optimism appears misplaced.
DAP’s Chinese leadership understands that an influx of Malay members could fundamentally alter the party’s current balance of power – and they are unlikely to allow that to happen.
At its core, DAP is still locked in competition with MCA for Chinese support. This fact alone undermines its claim to being truly multi-racial.
Malays who rise within the party should not be deluded by their positions in the CEC into believing that a genuine future for Malays exists in DAP.
That belief is, at best, a political mirage – entirely divorced from the party’s realities on the ground. – April 9, 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.
Maon image credit: Young Syefura Othman/Facebook
