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Malaysia's DAP Faces Crisis After Sarawak Election Loss

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 0:05 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locales: MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE

PUTRAJAYA - Malaysia's political landscape is increasingly volatile as the Democratic Action Party (DAP) grapples with its future role within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition government following a devastating performance in the recent Sarawak state election. The party is caught in a fierce internal debate: remain loyal to the current administration, or withdraw from the Cabinet in a bid to salvage its reputation and rebuild support? The stakes are high, not just for DAP, but for the stability of Anwar's government and the broader Malaysian political future.

The Sarawak election results, announced last week, delivered a stinging rebuke to DAP, which lost a significant 22 of the 28 seats it contested. This dramatic downturn has ignited a blame game within the party, with fingers pointing towards leadership and strategic missteps. The results have also fueled intense speculation regarding a potential Cabinet reshuffle, and more drastically, the possibility of DAP completely withdrawing its representatives.

Political analyst Shazlin Shaharin succinctly captured the prevailing sentiment on social media, stating, "Whether DAP stays or quits the Cabinet, damage has already been done." She went on to label DAP as a "liability" to Anwar Ibrahim, a harsh assessment that reflects the growing concern about the party's diminishing political capital.

The core of the dilemma lies in balancing loyalty to the ruling coalition with the need to address the party's eroding public image. Advocates for remaining in the Cabinet argue that a withdrawal would be perceived as a betrayal of Anwar, potentially destabilizing the already fragile coalition. They believe that supporting the Prime Minister, particularly during a challenging period, is a demonstration of commitment and responsible governance. This faction also fears that abandoning the government could lead to a snap election, which DAP, in its current state, is ill-prepared to fight.

However, a growing chorus within DAP believes that a clean break from the Cabinet is the only viable path forward. They argue that continued association with a government perceived as underperforming or failing to deliver on its promises will further damage DAP's reputation. Political science professor Wong Chin Huat emphasizes that staying put could be interpreted as tacit endorsement of a flawed approach, ultimately hindering the party's ability to regain public trust. The pressure to distance themselves from perceived failures is mounting, particularly among grassroots members who are increasingly vocal in their dissatisfaction.

Several scenarios are currently being considered. A full withdrawal would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the political system, forcing Anwar to scramble for replacements and potentially weakening his hold on power. This could open the door for opposition parties to exploit the instability and push for a vote of no confidence. A partial reshuffle, where select DAP ministers are replaced, is a compromise option, allowing the party to demonstrate accountability while maintaining a presence in the government. A third, more subtle approach, involves DAP remaining in the Cabinet but advocating for a significant shift in policy direction and potentially demanding key leadership changes within the government.

The decision-making process is complex, taking into account a multitude of factors. DAP leadership must weigh the views of its grassroots, the advice of seasoned political strategists, and the ever-shifting calculations of Anwar's government. Internal polling and consultations are reportedly underway to gauge the mood within the party and assess the potential consequences of each course of action.

For Anwar Ibrahim, the loss of DAP's support would be a crippling blow. His coalition, already navigating a narrow majority, relies heavily on DAP's parliamentary seats and organizational strength. DAP's departure could trigger a domino effect, encouraging other coalition partners to reconsider their allegiances and potentially leading to the collapse of the government. Anwar is facing increasing pressure to deliver on his promises of economic reform and social justice, and the loss of a key ally would further complicate these efforts.

The situation is further complicated by the upcoming state elections in other key states. DAP's performance in these elections will be heavily influenced by the decision it makes regarding its role in the federal government. A decisive and well-communicated strategy is crucial for regaining lost ground and preventing further erosion of support.

Ultimately, the decision rests with DAP, and it is a decision that will reverberate throughout Malaysia's political landscape for months, if not years, to come. The party is facing a critical juncture, and its choice will not only determine its own future but also significantly shape the trajectory of Malaysian politics.