Key facts
- Malaysia's Democratic Action Party (DAP) voted to remain in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's ruling coalition.
- The referendum saw 1,857 delegates vote in favor of staying, with 242 against.
- The decision eases immediate concerns over the stability of Anwar's administration.
- DAP is the largest party in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) ruling coalition with 40 parliamentary seats.
- The party's vote followed electoral setbacks in recent state elections, including losses in Sabah and Johor.
Malaysia's Democratic Action Party (DAP), a crucial component of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's unity government, has overwhelmingly voted to remain within the coalition. The decision, made at the party's annual congress on Sunday, August 16, 2026, eases immediate political pressure on Anwar's administration, which had faced speculation of collapse and early general elections following significant defeats in recent state polls.
At the congress in Putrajaya, 1,857 delegates voted in favor of remaining in the Cabinet, with 242 against and seven spoilt votes. The turnout was 52.1% of the 2,223 delegates who attended. DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke, who tabled the motion, stated that 88% of delegates voted to stay, emphasizing the party's commitment to federal power and the implementation of agreed-upon reforms, including the separation of the attorney general and public prosecutor offices, a two-term limit for the prime minister, and anti-corruption measures.
The DAP's decision is critical as it is the largest party in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, holding 40 parliamentary seats, and its withdrawal could have threatened Anwar's majority. The coalition has recently suffered setbacks in the Sabah, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan state elections. Some delegates expressed concerns about unfulfilled reform promises, while others argued that remaining within the system was the most effective way to enact change, citing potential benefits for opposition parties like MCA and PN if DAP were to leave.
Discussions also touched upon reforms related to e-invoicing thresholds and the quota for subsidized RON95 petrol and diesel. The party's decision averts a potential crisis that analysts had warned could force Anwar to call snap polls. The next nationwide elections in Malaysia are constitutionally due before February 2028.