Remain and complete the mandate: Why DAP must see the reform agenda through

On Sunday, DAP delegates face a decision that could shape not only the party’s future, but also the direction of Malaysia: whether to remain in the Federal Government or leave.

It is a decision that must be made rationally, rather than driven by emotions arising from recent electoral setbacks.

Some argue that leaving could help DAP recover support.

Yet the party’s own survey presents an interesting reality.

An overwhelming majority of Pakatan Harapan voters want DAP to remain, while a large majority of Perikatan Nasional voters prefer DAP to leave.

That raises an obvious question: whose expectations should DAP prioritise?

Those who voted for Pakatan Harapan, or those who did not?

For DAP National Vice Chairman Syahredzan Johan, the strongest reason for staying is the unfinished reform agenda.

“The DAP is the beating heart of this administration. We are the conscience of the Madani government, the one that ensures this government keeps to the straight and narrow,” Syahredzan said.

That argument deserves consideration.

DAP spent decades in opposition advocating institutional reform.

Now that it has an opportunity to translate those principles into legislation, walking away before completing the job risks abandoning that mandate.

There has already been progress.

The Parliamentary Services Act has strengthened Parliament’s autonomy.

The Audit Act has been amended, the Malaysian Media Council established, and the Legal Aid and Public Defenders Act enacted.

Parliamentary reforms such as Prime Minister’s Question Time and stronger select committees have also improved legislative scrutiny.

But crucial reforms remain unfinished.

Legislation limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure has been tabled but narrowly failed to secure sufficient votes.

The proposed constitutional amendment separating the powers and functions of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor has undergone bipartisan scrutiny but has yet to be passed.

The Freedom of Information Bill also remains a work in progress.

Equal constituency funding for all Members of Parliament is another reform DAP has demanded for decades.

Leaving government now would significantly reduce DAP’s leverage to push these reforms across the finishing line.

Being part of the administration gives the party the political influence necessary to ensure that reform remains on the government’s agenda.

Syahredzan’s position as a delegate is therefore unequivocal:

“Remain in Government. Complete the mandate.”

There will eventually be another general election, and voters will judge DAP’s record in government.

Until then, the responsibility should be to use the opportunity available to deliver as many meaningful reforms as possible and leave Malaysia better than it was before.