DAP Delegates Vote to Remain in Anwar Ibrahim Government

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) voted on Sunday to remain in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's cabinet, with 1,857 of 2,099 delegates supporting the decision. The vote took place during the party's national conference in Putrajaya, following a proposal by Secretary-General Anthony Loke that the party's role should be decided collectively by delegates rather than the 40-member central executive committee.

The decision follows a period of electoral struggle for the party, including a total defeat in the November 29 Sabah state elections where it failed to win any of its eight contested seats. Loke acknowledged that while government participation enables reform, it also brings constraints and responsibility for unpopular decisions. He noted that some delegates expressed a desire for the party to be more assertive, particularly regarding cost-of-living issues.

This outcome provides a political reprieve for Anwar Ibrahim, who has faced setbacks for his Pakatan Harapan alliance in Sabah, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan. The vote spares the Prime Minister from a cabinet reshuffle and limits pressure from Barisan Nasional to call a snap election before February 2028. During the conference, Loke also pledged the party's full support for Anwar's proposal to abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971.