KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 12): Perak DAP led by chairman Nga Kor Ming said it has unanimously agreed to remain in the unity government to honour its election promises and uphold the people’s mandate.
The decision comes ahead of DAP’s National Congress on Sunday, Aug 16, where 4,264 delegates will vote on whether the party should remain in the unity government for the rest of the current term.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Perak state committee for the party said remaining in government would allow it to continue implementing the Pakatan Harapan manifesto, including institutional reforms, judicial independence, anti-corruption efforts, reducing the cost of living, reforming the national revenue system, and protecting the rights and freedoms of Malaysia’s multiracial society.
“These policies must be fully implemented during the current administration’s term,” it said.
Perak DAP acknowledged the challenges faced by the government but said being in government gave the party a voice and influence in decision-making. This would allow it to push reforms, fulfil election promises and drive national development for the people’s welfare.
The party also said it needed to remain in the unity government to strengthen an inclusive and progressive multiracial political system and prevent extremist forces from gaining further influence.
It criticised opposition factions, Perikatan Nasional and PAS, accusing them of using racial and religious issues to create divisions among Malaysia’s multiracial population and threaten national harmony.
Perak DAP also cited Malaysia’s experience of having four prime ministers in seven years, saying political instability had affected the economy and investor confidence.
The party said DAP must honour the people’s mandate by remaining in the unity government until the end of the current term to maintain political stability, implement reforms, demonstrate results and regain public confidence.