KUALA LUMPUR, 16 August 2026 — The Democratic Action Party (DAP) is holding a special national congress today, with more than 4,000 delegates set to decide whether the party should continue serving in Malaysia’s unity government until the end of the current parliamentary term.
The decision comes after the party suffered setbacks in recent state elections in Sabah, Johor and Negeri Sembilan, prompting renewed debate within the party over its political direction and role in the federal administration.
A decision with wider implications
DAP is one of the major components of the Pakatan Harapan coalition and currently has several representatives serving in the federal government.
The party’s secretary-general, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, previously confirmed that the decision would be left to delegates at today’s congress. The motion covers whether DAP should continue participating in the government and whether its representatives should remain in the administration.
The outcome could have implications beyond DAP itself, particularly for the stability and composition of the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Political observers have also highlighted concerns among party grassroots over the pace of institutional reforms and the government’s ability to deliver on some of its reform commitments.
What happens next?
DAP’s delegates are expected to determine the party’s position during today’s congress.
A decision to remain in government would maintain the current coalition arrangement, while a decision to withdraw its representatives from the administration could create political uncertainty and trigger further negotiations among the parties supporting the government.
However, the final outcome remains a matter for the delegates to decide.
The Mamak Corner will continue to follow the congress and provide an update once the official decision is announced.
The Mamak Corner 
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