DAP to conduct public polls, tour ahead of July 12 special congress
DAP will be carrying out three rounds of public opinion polls as part of measures to better understand the public’s perception of the government’s performance and the party’s role in governance.
According to party secretary-general Anthony Loke, DAP has commissioned a polling organisation to undertake the project, which is set to commence this month, followed by subsequent sessions in April and June.
Loke also disclosed that DAP leaders will launch a nationwide tour in June to brief members on the polls’ findings to ensure delegates at the party’s July 12 special congress can make an informed decision on DAP’s role in the government.
“We must know whether people’s attitudes and social sentiments have improved. This cannot be based on feelings, but on data,” Loke told Sin Chew Daily.
Loke had characterised the Pakatan Harapan component member’s upcoming special congress as an internal “referendum” where its delegates will determine whether its officeholders should step down from all government positions.
The Seremban MP, who is also the transport minister, stressed that even if members opt for party leaders to withdraw from executive roles, the party’s 40 MPs would still support the government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim until the next general election.
As such, Loke pointed out that while public opinion could influence party delegates’ judgments, members must be the ones to determine the party’s “final direction”.
“The first half of the year is definitely crucial (as) we must demonstrate some achievements or push for policy breakthroughs (as part of) the government.
“It doesn’t mean that all issues will disappear six months later, (but) the key question is whether the situation has improved since the Sabah state election,” Loke reportedly said.
Policy breakthroughs and institutional reforms
He highlighted that grassroots members are the most knowledgeable about voters’ voices as they receive various forms of feedback from the public, including complaints, praise, or criticisms.
Loke added that DAP is working on showing the rakyat the results of previous policy breakthroughs and institutional reforms, including those involving economic issues and the United Examination Certificate.
In December last year, DAP’s central executive committee vowed to compile all the feedback it received from Sabah voters during the previous state election and work towards regaining public confidence.
The decision was made following the party's dismal performance in the polls, where it lost all eight of its contests, including six constituencies it previously won with large majorities in the 2020 election.
Following DAP’s crushing defeat in the polls on Nov 29 last year, Loke had affirmed that if Anwar fails to deliver meaningful reforms within the next six months, DAP would reassess its role in the government.
I would think party delegates will vote based on the feedback from party members and the general public. They are more reliable than comments on the social media which are written by every Tom, Dick and Harry including DAP's enemies or haters.