THE DAP (Democratic Action Party) special congress, set to take place on July 12, will provide an opportunity for party members and supporters to voice their views on an important matter, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow explained that the congress will serve as an internal referendum to decide whether DAP leaders should continue holding government positions.
However, Chow stressed that it does not mean that DAP is withdrawing its support from the Unity Government.
According to a report by a local daily yesterday, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke had made the announcement earlier regarding the convening of the congress.
“With the announcement now made, it provides an opportunity for the congress to hear the views of party members and supporters on this important matter.
“For those supporters who are not members, can also share their opinions through the party members,” Chow said during a press conference held after the Padang Kota constituency Chinese New Year (CNY) open house at Lee Kongsi, Jalan Burma, today.
Responding to a comment from a former DAP veteran that the congress is just a PR exercise, Chow also urged people not to misinterpret or spin the announcement.
Chow also shared that this is common for any government formed through a coalition of multiple parties in Western democracies, where members may change at any time if any party feels that the coalition government has failed to fulfil its agenda.
“However, in this case, DAP is not withdrawing its support from the Unity Government. The issue is whether DAP members and supporters want its leaders to continue holding government positions, such as ministers and other posts,” Chow said.
Chow also reaffirmed that the party has a clear framework, stating that this does not involve DAP’s withdrawal from the Unity Government; what is being discussed is the party’s role in terms of government positions.
Apart from that, Chow also shared that the DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) has given the Unity Government time to implement the reforms promised in its manifesto.