The Democratic Action Party (DAP) is one of Malaysia’s most prominent multiracial opposition parties — though often perceived as Chinese-majority in support. Known for its firm stance on social justice, good governance, and democratic freedoms, DAP spent decades on the opposition bench before rising to power in 2018. Its evolution reflects Malaysia’s urban, middle-class political awakening.
Fast Facts
- Founded: 11 October 1965
- Origin: Successor to the Malaysian branch of Singapore’s People’s Action Party (PAP)
- Core Ideology: Social democracy, secularism, multiracialism
- Slogan: Malaysian Malaysia
- Key Achievements: Longtime opposition force; helped end BN’s 61-year rule in 2018; advocate for clean governance, equal rights, and institutional reform
Origins: A Party with Singaporean Roots
- Why it was formed: After Singapore’s separation from Malaysia in 1965, the Malaysian branch of Lee Kuan Yew’s People’s Action Party (PAP) rebranded as DAP, under the leadership of Devan Nair and later Dr. Chen Man Hin.
- Founding vision: A “Malaysian Malaysia” — a nation where all citizens are equal regardless of race or religion.
- Early setbacks: DAP was quickly cast by opponents as “anti-Malay” due to its secular and equality-based platform, leading to decades of struggle in the shadow of UMNO-led race-based politics.
Life in the Opposition: 1969–2008
- 1969 general election: DAP made significant gains but was blamed — often unfairly — for racial tensions that led to the May 13 riots.
- Opposition role: For years, DAP became the face of resistance against corruption, authoritarianism, and race-based policies like the NEP.
- Challenges: Despite strong urban Chinese support, DAP remained isolated — frequently labeled as a “Chinese party” and struggling to break into rural or Malay-majority constituencies.
Coalition Building
- 1999 onwards: Began working with other opposition parties like PKR and PAS under the Reformasi banner.
- 2008 political tsunami: DAP scored major wins in urban areas; opposition took control of five states.
- 2013 general election: Won the most seats of any party in Parliament but still could not form government due to Malaysia’s first-past-the-post system.
- 2015–2018: Became a founding member of Pakatan Harapan after breaking with PAS. The new coalition was more cohesive, centrist, and reform-driven.
2018: From Protest to Power
- Historic win: In the 2018 general election, DAP — as part of Pakatan Harapan (PH) — helped bring down Barisan Nasional, ending six decades of uninterrupted rule.
- In government:
- Held key ministerial portfolios (Finance, Transport, Energy, etc.).
- Focused on institutional reform, economic restructuring, and transparency.
- Faced internal and external backlash for perceived compromises on sensitive racial/religious issues.
Key Leaders Through History
| Leader | Term | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Chen Man Hin | 1966–1999 | Founding chairman; respected elder statesman and consistent advocate of secular multiracialism. |
| Lim Kit Siang | 1969–2022 | Icon of Malaysian opposition politics; jailed multiple times; champion of democracy, education, and anti-corruption. |
| Karpal Singh | 1978–2014 | The “Tiger of Jelutong”; fierce defender of the constitution, rule of law, and civil liberties. |
| Lim Guan Eng | 2004–Present (as Secretary-General) | First Chinese Malaysian Finance Minister in over 40 years; former Penang Chief Minister; credited with financial reforms and fiscal transparency. |
| Anthony Loke Siew Fook | 2022–Present (as Secretary-General) | Current party leader; seen as a bridge between generations; aims to broaden DAP’s appeal across ethnic lines. |
Setbacks and Resurgence
- 2020 collapse: The Sheraton Move brought down the PH government, pushing DAP back into opposition.
- 2022 general election: PH returned to power via a Unity Government with former rivals (including UMNO). DAP remains a key component of the current government, though it has had to manage expectations and compromise.