YOURSAY | “Loke is not only a weak leader, but also lacks strategy.”

COMMENT | How to salvage DAP's political fortunes?

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 PKR, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim treating it more as a token than an equal ally.

It’s almost inevitable that it will suffer losses in the next general election, much like MCA did when it assumed it was 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.

Ranjit Singh Malhi: I concur with G 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.

DAP national chairperson Gobind Singh Deo, for instance, is often compared unfavourably with his late father, the highly respected former DAP strongman 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.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, too, has disappointed some supporters who had hoped for stronger and more courageous leadership.

Critics view DAP deputy secretary-general Steven Sim 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 Jelutong MP RSN Rayer and DAP national legal bureau chairperson 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 Anwar. 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.

Anonymous_3f4b: The philosophy and mantra of DAP from its founding fathers show that it is more suited to be a socialist democracy on the cries of equality, meritocracy, and transparency.

Fairness and accountability, which are the domain of the opposition and not the ruling government of the day, considering the population demographics and the Constitution under the Malaysian sun.

It is not fit to be part of a government that espouses capitalism, demographic politics, religion over self and state-sponsored socio-economic development policies.

DAP's proper role is in the opposition for a brave selected few to voice the minority concerns and fears, and not be in government by the useless dozens, but play no effective role except being sycophants acting like the proverbial three monkeys and subservient to the skewed policies and politics of compromise and belittlement of the government of the day, like what is happening now to the chagrin of many.

PW Cheng: Loke has a very sentimental attachment to Anwar for reasons best known to himself.

Though he had openly said that if things don't turn out well for DAP by July, all DAP ministers will quit the cabinet.

But unfortunately, under the same breath, he followed up by saying that after quitting, he will still support Anwar.

To me, that's bad political strategy, and to be a bit harsh, that's outright silly.

Perhaps a tell-tale sign that Loke is not only a weak leader, but also lacks strategy.

He is giving Anwar a blank cheque to take you for granted. And that's why DAP is politically weak under Loke despite the voters sending them a gift by electing 40 MPs.

You can always keep the card in your sleeve.

Say with courage and conviction that after leaving the government, DAP will restrategise and chart its next political journey.

"A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends" - Baltasar Gracian

Quigonbond: This is a unity government; Pakatan Harapan doesn't get to do things unilaterally.

Anwar is taking the heat, but could it be that there has been debate within the unity government, and he is acting within agreed constraints?

He'll never say anything in public to preserve the peace, and we may never know unless Umno finally decides to betray Harapan.

Even within this constraint, DAP should remain in government.

I think the red line would be corruption (except for Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is the glue of the unity government, an ugly political necessity), and issues.

It's great optically to pull out from the government and to protest. But would it actually change the dynamics?

Harapan hasn't asked yet. Maybe it's not the time.

But I think once the 16th general election comes around, they will implore Malaysians to vote them in for the majority this time so that real reforms can take place without compromises.

I want to ask the readers here, if that happens, what would you do?

Be disillusioned, don't vote or vote against them (maybe Bersama?), and because of the split votes, give Perikatan Nasional a walkover?

Or you give them another chance? I suppose there is no easy answer. Perhaps it requires a lot of research into every minister and MP, and see if they have performed to our liking.

Vinod may think Loke is doing a bad job, but in the end, it is his constituency that matters. Maybe they think he's gone soft, or maybe they think he's doing great, keeping the peace.

Maybe it's teamwork, and some of them are good cop, some are bad cop.

I wouldn't suggest DAP quit, but perhaps they need to relook, and if they think some representatives are not performing, the axe must fall.

HJ Angus: I think some folks are being too idealistic or romantic about DAP being able to sway Anwar and his merry men.

Being in opposition is quite different from being in government, and that is the reason why Umno quickly agreed to join the unity government, although they have acted more like a Trojan horse.

For me, this government should be totally removed from our political history as it has proved totally unsatisfactory, especially the latest policy that requires 50 percent bumiputera ownership for any company that wants to buy GLC properties worth over RM20 million, which will drive the final nail in the coffin for local investors.

I'm sticking with DAP for the time being and will give Bersama a look-in too.

Coward: As the ruling coalition, you do expect to drop a few seats in the next election. That's normal.

As such, what we have to evaluate is whether DAP lost more seats than what is normally expected. This is, unfortunately, a post-mortem move.

It is normal in politics for leaders of a political party to follow the election cycle. They are elected, work up to the final test, which is the general election.

If they pass, they stay on, and note that paint does not mean winning it. If they fail, they pass on the baton to the next one.

Loke worked this one, so it is only fair and right that he leads into the election. Notwithstanding this, it is too short a time before the next election for a new one to establish himself.

July is around the corner. Loke is about to produce his report card and decide DAP's next move. I am expecting him to justify staying and highlighting DAP's "achievements".

However, the true judge is not Loke, but the electorate, come the next general election.

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