Ramkarpal wants DAP to make clear they can leave govt if Putrajaya crosses 'red line'

Ramkarpal Singh has urged DAP to make clear to delegates at its annual congress this Sunday that they can still call for the party to leave the government in future if it crosses their "red line".

According to the DAP deputy secretary-general, this must be emphasised to avoid giving the impression that a vote for DAP to remain in government means the party would stay on even when doing so is detrimental to its interests.

"One such detrimental instance that comes to my mind would be if Umno insists on seeking a pardon and eventual release of its convicted former president, Najib Abdul Razak.

"Whether or not this crosses the red line, so to speak, should be something open for delegates to think about, and they should be free to elect to leave the government in such circumstances, even if they vote to remain in government.

"I am, therefore, of the view that there should be some flexibility allowing delegates the freedom to revisit their decision to remain in government for the rest of this parliamentary term, should they choose to do so this Sunday.

"Whether or not this is labelled as an ‘exit clause’, it is certainly in the best interests of the party," said Ramkarpal in a statement.

‘Put on your thinking cap’

Meanwhile, DAP political education director Howard Lee urged delegates to put on their thinking cap before casting ballots this Sunday.

In a statement, he advised the party representatives to not let anger cloud their judgement.

Saying such a decision could backfire, the Ipoh Timor MP listed several examples of political parties around the world that fared worse after exiting their governments.

"There are genuine reasons for discontent. Many reforms already delivered are quickly forgotten, while unfinished reforms, unmet expectations and unpopular decisions dominate attention. When frustration accumulates, leaving starts to feel clean and decisive.

"But Sunday's vote is not a referendum on how angry we are.

"It is a judgement about which course gives DAP the greatest ability to advance the reforms, principles and interests for which people elected us," he said.

Lee stressed that there are risks involved in whether DAP decides to stay or leave Putrajaya.

He said a party does not resign from government and erase its record in the administration.

"So the question on Aug 16 is not whether DAP has reasons to be angry. We do.

"The question is whether leaving now advances our reforms and strengthens our position, or whether it delivers exactly what those who want DAP weakened, isolated and removed from government have been waiting for," Lee said.

Over 4,200 DAP delegates to the party convention in Putrajaya this Sunday will decide whether the party should remain in the federal government until the end of its term.

On Monday, party national organising secretary Khoo Poay Tiong said the motion will be brought by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke on behalf of the party's central executive committee and be open for debate.

It will then be followed by a polling session where each delegate will get a ballot paper and cast their votes anonymously.

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