DAP in post-2022 Malaysia: Deals, Ambitions, Provocations
MALAYSIA STUDIES PROGRAMME
Malaysia’s Democratic Action Party (DAP) is the largest party in the Unity Government formed in November 2022. DAP’s number of MPs (40) exceeds Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s National Justice Party (PKR)’s 26, and constitutes half of Pakatan Harapan’s 81. The party won a whopping 94% of the urban, ethnically mixed seats it contested at the 2023 state elections. However, DAP’s presence in the federal cabinet is disproportionately small, and it is routinely maligned by the all-Malay Perikatan Nasional opposition, continuing a trend started by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), DAP’s former nemesis turned partner.
This seminar addresses three major questions surrounding DAP in contemporary Malaysia. First, what are the ongoing challenges, at the party leadership and grassroots levels, regarding the deals—in federal and state governments—struck in order to be in power? Second, what are the priorities and compromises in DAP’s pursuit of political ambitions and policy platforms, especially its staple of reforms? Third, how is DAP negotiating the treacherous terrain of ethno-religious politics, particularly with its defense of human rights and equality while regularly being provoked and stigmatised?
At this seminar, first-time MP, party youth leader, policy thinker, and former Perak state assemblyman Howard Lee will share his perspective on these timely and searching questions.
About the Speaker
Howard Lee Chuan How is a Malaysian politician, activist and chef who has served as the Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timor since November 2022. He is also a member of the Malaysian Foreign Minister’s Consultative Council for Foreign Policy, and the sole Member of Parliament to be appointed in the Council.
Registration
This is a hybrid event which will be held at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS).
Attending the Event In-person at ISEAS
To join the event in-person at ISEAS, please register via the ISEAS mobile app, available on iOS and Android via the Apple or Play store. Search “ISEAS” to find or scan this QR code.
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Seating capacity is limited. Do register early to avoid disappointment.
Attending the Event Virtually via Webinar
To join the event virtually at the specified date and time using your internet devices, please register here to receive your unique login link for the webinar via the zoom platform.
If you have questions for the speaker, please key in your questions via the Q&A, stating your name and affiliation. The moderator will field them to the speakers during the Q&A session.