COMMENT - How to salvage DAP's political fortunes? G Vinod

DAP back-stabbed it's supporters 

Malaysiakini : COMMENT | From the looks of it, things don’t look great for DAP and Pakatan Harapan as a whole in the 16th general election.

As for DAP, the amount of subservience they showed to keep Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in power, while the latter panders to the right-wing forces hell-bent on making a fool out of the Tambun MP, baffles me.

As it is, we may see another hung Parliament following GE16. The political landscape in Peninsular Malaysia has become so fragmented that no analyst or pundit would dare put their foot down and say that this or that party would win hands down.

Now, why should I give suggestions on how DAP could salvage itself? Frankly, it is due to sentimental values.

Ranjit Singh Malhi : I concur with Vinod that there is a growing perception that some DAP leaders have compromised too many of their principles in exchange for the privileges and influence that come with political power. 

Gobind Singh Deo, for instance, is often compared unfavourably with his late father, the highly respected Karpal Singh, who was widely admired for his courage, principled stand, and unwavering defence of constitutional supremacy and justice — even when it was politically costly. 

Many had expected Gobind to carry forward that same fearless spirit. Anthony Loke, too, has disappointed some supporters who had hoped for stronger and more courageous leadership. 

Steven Sim is viewed by critics as placing excessive emphasis on public image and self-promotion rather than more forcefully championing the broader interests of the rakyat and the nation. 

In contrast, leaders such as RSN Rayer and Ramkarpal Singh are often seen as being more outspoken, principled, and willing to speak truth to power. There is also growing frustration with PKR and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (PMX). 

Many Malaysians who once placed enormous hope in reformasi feel let down by what they perceive as unfulfilled promises, inconsistent positions, and compromises that have weakened public trust. 

If Bersama is able to present a credible, principled, inclusive, and forward-looking alternative centred on good governance, justice, moderation, economic competence, and national unity, then Malaysians should at least give it a fair opportunity to prove itself.

Headhunter : Many believe DAP is better suited to the role of opposition than governing. Even as the dominant coalition partner, it’s often seen as weak and subservient to the PM’s PKR, with Anwar treating it more as a token than an equal ally. 

It’s almost inevitable it will suffer losses in the next general election, much like MCA did when they assumed they were untouchable and ignored voters’ demands to stand up to Umno. If that happens, DAP, like MCA, could spend years trying to recover its footing, if ever.

Jarchin : Well written Vinod. Good suggestions, but will be water off a duck's back for the current DAP's power drunk leadership.

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