Malaysian ruling bloc party to review role in government on Aug 16
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- DAP will hold a secret ballot vote on August 16 at its national congress, where approximately 4,000 delegates will decide whether party leaders should continue serving in government front bench positions
- Anthony Loke, DAP Secretary-General and Transport Minister, lost his seat in the Negeri Sembilan state legislature after 13 years in Saturday's regional election defeat
- Pakatan Harapan, Anwar's ruling coalition, has now lost three consecutive regional elections, with DAP's declining support tied to backlash over the government's handling of corruption cases and racial and religious issues
- DAP currently holds 5 ministers and 7 deputy ministers in Malaysia's cabinet, and Loke stressed the vote concerns only front bench participation — not continued support for Anwar or membership in the Pakatan Harapan bloc
- Anwar has said he may call snap elections if divisions within his administration continue to widen, though the next general election is not due until early 2028
Why it matters: DAP holds 12 cabinet seats in Anwar's government, so even a partial withdrawal from the front bench would force a cabinet reshuffle or push Anwar closer to the snap election he has threatened to call if his coalition fractures further.
