DAP stays in govt with 'convincing majority'

A "convincing majority" of DAP delegates have voted for the party to remain in the government until the end of the parliamentary term.

Out of 2,099 valid ballot papers from the anonymous voting process, 1,857 delegates voted in favour of the motion tabled earlier today by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.

Another 242 delegates voted against the motion, while seven ballot papers were considered spoilt votes.

A total of 2,223 delegates, or 52.1 percent of its registered grassroots representatives, attended the DAP National Conference 2026 at the Putrajaya International Conference Centre.

Speaker Cha Kee Chin announced the outcome of the poll at a press conference after the debates by 14 state delegates.

The vote settles the party’s position amid debate over whether DAP should reconsider its position in the federal administration, with the voting results evidently backing continued participation until the government's current term ends.

Addressing a press conference after the results were disclosed, Loke described the number of delegates in attendance as being "quite common", asserting that some might not have been able to attend the event today due to other matters.

"Even when we have our (party) election, around 70 percent will attend, (so) for a conference without any election, an attendance of over 2,000 delegates is a high figure.

"Our delegates are grassroots members who are not big taukes or bosses; some are traders or small business owners who need to carry on with their dealings," Loke said.

Working with Umno

Regarding concerns raised by certain quarters on DAP's continued cooperation with BN linchpin Umno, Loke stressed that delegates who voted in support of today's motion had done so with the unity government's framework in mind.

"The delegates have voted for us to remain in the government - this is their wish, knowing full well that we have to work with Umno (as part of a) political reality that all delegates understood.

"We have to respect democratic processes, which is why I brought the motion at our national conference, and delegates voted on it," Loke stressed.

The DAP leader highlighted that while he respects the views of those who opposed the motion, DAP has to abide by the views of the majority.

"A convincing majority - 88 percent - voted for us to stay (in government). I hope those that disagree can respect others' views and wishes.

"Despite any unhappiness...I hope they can respect and support our party's leadership to play our role constructively," he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he will retain BN in his government despite escalating tensions between it and his coalition, Pakatan Harapan, as BN seeks to gain power through a new partnership with Perikatan Nasional.

Commenting on Anwar's declaration at the PKR congress in Malacca today, Loke confirmed that the prime minister, who is also Harapan chairperson, had discussed the matter with the coalition's leadership council.

"(Anwar) has his views and consideration (on wanting) the government to remain stable," Loke said.

"I think we have considered (that while) yes, there are differences between parties in government, but we have to keep the government stable to ensure whatever we have been talking about can be implemented.

"We do not wish to create another instability within the government," he emphasised.

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