Why must DAP stoop so low to appease UMNO by opposing establishment of unity gov’t in Johor?

Focus Malaysia:

Why must DAP stoop so low to appease UMNO by opposing establishment of unity gov’t in Johor?

By David Marshel

Letter to editor

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook had over the weekend during the party’s Johor State Convention urged that calls for a unity government in Johor should be put to rest.

One must question his position on this issue. It seems that DAP leaders are now too comfortable with their power and positions to consider anything that might rock the boat.

It is not for Loke to defend UMNO’s current role in Johor simply because the party holds 40 out of the 56 state seats.

Recently, several Amanah leaders called for the establishment of a unity government in Johor. If a unity government exists at the federal level, why shouldn’t it also be implemented in Johor even if UMNO has the majority in the state?

Why is DAP willing to play second fiddle to UMNO? Of all parties, why is DAP unwilling to support the idea of a unity government in Johor? Is the party too timid or intimidated to challenge UMNO’s dominance?

The low turnout of Chinese voters in the recent Mahkota by-election speaks volumes. DAP’s poor track record in representing the Chinese community has pushed many to re-consider their support with some finding more resonance in the MCA.

This shift was apparent in the Mahkota by-election.If DAP is no longer willing to speak out for justice and fairness, the party’s leaders should be upfront about it.

They should not mislead non-Malay voters, particularly those who still mistakenly believe DAP is a dynamic party fighting for their rights.

In reality, DAP appears to be worse than MCA by merely basking in the glory of its past achievements.

Loke’s recent claim that DAP seeks to perform a check-and-balance role in Johor is laughable.

How can the party perform such a role under the current circumstances of appeasement politics?

If Loke cannot provide the dynamic leadership DAP needs, it may be time for him to step aside. Blaming MCA will not help when that party is clearly out-performing DAP at this juncture. – Oct 7, 2024



David Marshel is the of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) deputy chairman.