The Problem with DAP is party disillusionment

Introduction

If you are familiar with Malaysian politics, then you are familiar with the Democratic Action Party. The Democratic Action Party (better referred to as DAP in Malaysian politics) has been no stranger to Malaysian politics. They have largely remained in opposition for 53 years until GE-14 when the newly formed Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, which comprised of: The Peoples Justice Party (Parti Keadilan Rakyat [PKR]), National Trust Party (AMANAH), Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP). DAP, with then Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng, focused really hard on anti-corruption and anti-Najib sentiments. While this is noble, it deviates from their original purpose which was set out in the 1968 Statement on cultural democracy: a commitment to the basic values and ideas of social democracy.

Ideologies and disillusionment of DAP

Social Democracy by definition is: a political ideology whereby it attempts to mitigate the market failures of a laissez-faire capitalist model with greater regulation, higher taxes with a general emphasis on the welfare of workers, particularly blue-collar workers.

However, the Democratic Action Party (DAP), has been infiltrated by neoliberals attempting to steer and deviate the DAP from its original course. Neoliberals follow neoliberalism, which is an ideology closely related to the ideas of capitalism with social liberalism.

One of the most prominent neoliberals in the DAP is the current National Chairman and former Secretary-General, Lim Guan Eng. During his tenure as Finance Minister under the Mahathir VII cabinet, he has released statements which have made him unpopular with the left wing in Malaysian politics. He mentioned how, “We (DAP) will not support a Capital Gains Tax” and ruled out a wealth tax "to prevent shock to financial system”. These two statements highlight the disillusionment of the DAP from their founding principles which includes the Setapak Declaration and the aforementioned 1968 Statement on Cultural Democracy.

Factionalism in DAP

There are two main factions in the DAP: the Blue Faction (social democrats) and the Red Faction (neoliberals). The Red Faction tends to be more chinese-educated with internalised ideals of Chinese Chauvinism. A famous figure would be former Secretary-General and current National Chairman, Lim Guan Eng.

The Blue Faction tends to be more English and/or Malay educated with ideals of egalitarianism. A famous figure would be the current Secretary-General, Anthony Loke. The Red Faction in the DAP emphasizes division and racist ideology to push its agenda forward, which includes a strong stance supporting institutions like Vernacular Schools which have been used to divide us since the colonial days.

The Blue Faction, on the other hand, emphasizes redistribution of income, a higher minimum wage and a stronger public service system. In recent years, the Red Faction has come out on top in leadership elections, which has led to the disillusionment of Social Democratic members, with their voices being suppressed by the neoliberalist right.

However, since the election of Anthony Loke to the Secretary-General position, Social Democrats are now reviving and are coming back to the DAP - to present themselves as ready to fight against the neoliberal right, and I urge all Social Democrats in this position to fight for a more left-wing DAP - one that will push DAP back to its roots, in the Setapak Declaration.

A Stronger DAP internally means a stronger policy position

Let's face it; Malaysians do not vote for the party that has the better policy - but rather for the personality or they blindly follow their parents in voting for the same party as them without knowing the consequences. However, it is policy, not personality that shapes how a country is. With a Social Democratic Revival in DAP, this means that finally the DAP can unite under one policy platform which has a special emphasis on Social Democratic policies which will truly transform Malaysia into the powerhouse that it is. Malaysia, according to the New Straits Times, is one of the lowest tax revenue collectors in Southeast Asia, with a tax-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio of 11.8% - and this was reported in February 2024. Not to mention that the New Straits Times reported that the number of young millionaires in Malaysia are on the rise, with a 75 per cent increase in millionaires aged 30 and under recorded in 2022 - and this was reported seven days ago, from the time of writing this article. Every ringgit in the hands of the wealthy is a ringgit less in the hands of a poor person, living in poverty who desperately needs it. With a Social Democratic Revival in the DAP, Pakatan Harapan's (PH's) biggest component party, it could spell a new beginning in PH's history; a turn towards social democratic principles. This could mean, greater wealth redistribution, reduction in the wealth gap and stronger public services which will be vital for the advancement of Malaysia.

Conclusion

Dear DAP members,

I urge you all to voice your discontentment, with great civility and respect, at the Red Faction and oust them from power democratically. Your party was founded on democratic socialist principles in the Setapak Declaration or the Social Democratic 1968 Statement on Cultural Democracy, and it is time to actually be a real social democratic power in Malaysian politics. Maybe, then, we as Malaysians, can vote for policy rather than personality. Implement that wealth tax, implement that Capital Gains Tax, scrap the GST, increase wages in the public sector and more. Expand the size of government to help everyone who needs it. Trust me, that will pay off in the long run.

With love,

Timothy (Contributor to The Radical Times Media & News Co-operative from Malaysia)