PETALING JAYA, February 20 — The Democratic Action Party (DAP) will convene a special congress on July 12 to decide whether its leaders should relinquish their posts in the unity government while continuing to support it in Parliament.
Secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said some 4,000 delegates will vote on whether DAP members serving as ministers, deputy ministers, state executive councillors, local councillors and GLC appointees should step down.
Describing the congress as an internal “referendum,” Loke said it marks the first time such a major political decision will be determined by delegates instead of the party’s central executive committee. Loke stressed that regardless of the outcome.
DAP’s 40 MPs will continue backing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and ensure the government’s stability until the next general election. He dismissed claims that the move was a threat or an attempt to form a “backdoor government”.
Calling it instead a review of the party’s role following recent political developments, including its losses in the Sabah state election. Loke added that the party aims to make its decision-making process more institutionalised and democratic.
