- On Aug 16, DAP held a special congress to decide on remaining in Anwar Ibrahim's government.
- The DAP voted to remain in the government.
- Ramasamy noted that nearly 50% of delegates did not attend, suggesting that the motion could have been defeated if more had attended.
- Ramasamy criticized Loke Siew Fook for downplaying the turnout, stating it was a do-or-die moment for the party.
- Loke Siew Fook stated that the turnout was considered high, as attendance during party elections usually only reached about 70%.
- Ramasamy stated that the absence of nearly 50% of delegates indicates that all is not well with DAP and could signal non-support for the motion to remain in the government.
- Ramasamy, a former Penang DAP deputy chairman, added that the DAP leadership should ponder whether the congress’ decision reflected the sentiments of the majority of party members.
- Ramasamy noted that the Aug 16 congress was meant to determine the party’s political direction after poor electoral performances in Sabah, Johor and Negeri Sembilan, and given the do-or-die moment, at least 80% to 90% attendance was expected.
The DAP's recent special congress saw a turnout of only 52%, with 2,223 out of 4,264 delegates attending, raising concerns about internal discontent.
Former DAP leader P. Ramasamy criticized the low attendance, stating, “The absence of nearly 50% of delegates indicates that all is not well with DAP.”
Ramasamy emphasized that the congress was crucial for determining the party's political direction following poor electoral performances in recent state elections.
“Given the critical political juncture, it was expected that at least 80% to 90% of delegates would attend,” he noted.
Of the attendees, 2,099 delegates voted on whether to remain in the government, with 1,857 supporting the motion and 242 opposing it.
DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook defended the turnout, stating it was high compared to typical party elections, which see about 70% attendance.
However, Ramasamy countered, saying, “It was no ordinary DAP conference as delegates were supposed to make a major decision for the party.”
He urged the DAP leadership to reflect on whether the congress decision truly represented the sentiments of the majority of party members.
“If a high percentage of those who were absent had attended, there is a possibility that the motion could have been defeated,” he added.
“Ramasamy, a former Penang DAP deputy chairman, argued the Aug 16 congress was a 'do-or-die' moment after poor electoral showings in Sabah, Johor and Negeri Sembilan, expecting 80-90% attendance. DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook countered that turnout was high, as party elections typically draw only about 70%.”
