DAP’s quandary in unity gov’t: A call for self-reflection as animosity with UMNO grows
By Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy
DAP’s complaints about UMNO joining hands with PAS in a rally supporting incarcerated former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak appear futile.
As UMNO’s commitment to Najib’s cause has been consistent from the start, DAP cannot feign ignorance of this reality.
If DAP was so concerned about UMNO’s stance, why did it not mount stronger opposition to UMNO’s inclusion in the unity government?
On the contrary, DAP leaders went out of their way to welcome UMNO leaders at party events, showcasing a remarkable willingness to collaborate despite past animosities.
DAP should recognise that without UMNO’s participation, the coalition government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, often praised as the “Gandhi Mandela” of the Madani government, would not exist.
While DAP’s 40 parliamentary seats are significant, UMNO’s support has been crucial in ensuring the coalition’s stability.
Furthermore, DAP leaders currently enjoying positions of power, privilege and influence owe much to UMNO’s cooperation. Criticising UMNO while benefiting from its support comes across as disingenuous.
“Don’t play blame game’
DAP cannot seek the advantages of power while condemning UMNO for pursuing its own political interests, including the rally for Najib.
For UMNO, the Najib issue is a matter of survival. Abandoning this cause would alienate its loyal support base, a reality DAP is well aware of.
Similarly, PAS’s decision to ally with UMNO reflects its strategy to court Malays still loyal to Najib. While PAS may be accused of political opportunism, DAP itself is no stranger to pragmatic compromises.
Rather than issuing hollow criticisms, DAP should reassess its role in the Madani government. If it truly opposes UMNO’s actions, it must confront Anwar Ibrahim directly.
Should the PM refuse to heed DAP’s concerns, the party must decide whether to stay in the coalition or withdraw on principle.
However, such a move comes with significant risks. Without UMNO, the coalition government would likely collapse and DAP’s own relevance might diminish further.
Already, sections of the electorate, particularly the Indian and Chinese communities, appear disillusioned with the party.
Ultimately, DAP must navigate this delicate situation carefully. Instead of throwing stones from a glass house, it should focus on re-building trust with its supporters while addressing the contradictions in its current political stance.
Enjoying the “power, positions and perks” of governance without accountability will only alienate Malaysians further. – Jan 1, 2025
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
DAP’s complaints about UMNO joining hands with PAS in a rally supporting incarcerated former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak appear futile.
As UMNO’s commitment to Najib’s cause has been consistent from the start, DAP cannot feign ignorance of this reality.
If DAP was so concerned about UMNO’s stance, why did it not mount stronger opposition to UMNO’s inclusion in the unity government?
On the contrary, DAP leaders went out of their way to welcome UMNO leaders at party events, showcasing a remarkable willingness to collaborate despite past animosities.
DAP should recognise that without UMNO’s participation, the coalition government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, often praised as the “Gandhi Mandela” of the Madani government, would not exist.
While DAP’s 40 parliamentary seats are significant, UMNO’s support has been crucial in ensuring the coalition’s stability.
Furthermore, DAP leaders currently enjoying positions of power, privilege and influence owe much to UMNO’s cooperation. Criticising UMNO while benefiting from its support comes across as disingenuous.
“Don’t play blame game’
DAP cannot seek the advantages of power while condemning UMNO for pursuing its own political interests, including the rally for Najib.
For UMNO, the Najib issue is a matter of survival. Abandoning this cause would alienate its loyal support base, a reality DAP is well aware of.
Similarly, PAS’s decision to ally with UMNO reflects its strategy to court Malays still loyal to Najib. While PAS may be accused of political opportunism, DAP itself is no stranger to pragmatic compromises.
Rather than issuing hollow criticisms, DAP should reassess its role in the Madani government. If it truly opposes UMNO’s actions, it must confront Anwar Ibrahim directly.
Should the PM refuse to heed DAP’s concerns, the party must decide whether to stay in the coalition or withdraw on principle.
However, such a move comes with significant risks. Without UMNO, the coalition government would likely collapse and DAP’s own relevance might diminish further.
Already, sections of the electorate, particularly the Indian and Chinese communities, appear disillusioned with the party.
Ultimately, DAP must navigate this delicate situation carefully. Instead of throwing stones from a glass house, it should focus on re-building trust with its supporters while addressing the contradictions in its current political stance.
Enjoying the “power, positions and perks” of governance without accountability will only alienate Malaysians further. – Jan 1, 2025
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
Free the Isreal hostages ......Two things that I've just learned from a senior retired police officer that I didn't know regarding October 7th. Both details were hidden from the public until now:
ReplyDelete1. 600 (!!!) people were beheaded during that terrible massacre.
2. The military wing of the PLO (the opponents of Hamas), which is part of the Palestinian Authority—a body heavily funded by America and Europe—also took an active role in the massacre on that day.
There is no way we can ever have peace with these monsters! Hamas Religious Lover MalaySIAL beware.....
Stand up and speak up for your principles.
ReplyDeleteThere is no need to make it a quarrel. If Akmal wants to quarrel, that's HIS problem,