It is absurd for DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok to claim that the party has been prevented from spearheading the campaign for the Sungai Bakap by-election.

Kok gave the impression that it was Umno and not PKR that advised DAP leadership to hold back in the campaign.

This was apparently to ensure that the partnership between Umno and DAP would not be overplayed in the polls, as it was not fully accepted by the Umno base.

It is reasonable to assume that DAP could have organised a vigorous campaign under the leadership of its leaders, which would have led to a higher turnout of Chinese and to some extent Indian voters.

In Kok's view, this would have meant that Pakatan Harapan's candidate would have had a chance to win.

Kok made some oblique insinuations about Umno interference preventing DAP from fully mobilising non-Malay voters.

However, she failed to mention the real reason for the low Chinese turnout.

Kok refuses to admit the fact that Chinese voters in Sungai Bakap were disillusioned with the ruling coalition for various reasons.

The targeted diesel subsidies, the increase in the prices of goods and services, the poor water supply in the area, the educationministry's recent directive on the teaching of maths and science - these are all sources of frustration and disappointment for Chinese voters.

I doubt that the appearance of DAP leaders during the by-election campaign would have resulted in more Chinese going to the polls.

It is now clear that Indians have lost faith in the ruling coalition. This explains why the majority of Indian voters switched from a protest vote to full support for the Perikatan Nasional coalition.

It is not that they are enthusiastic about PN; they are frustrated and deeply disappointed with the government of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Apart from broken promises, the non-completion of the Tamil school in Sungai Bakap and other issues have been a sore point.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi promised to complete the Tamil school if Indians voted in favour of the ruling coalition. This was nothing but blackmail and an open threat against the Indian community.

Sycophantic Indian leaders had no legitimacy to ensure that Indian voters remain loyal to DAP.

In fact, the exodus of Indian votes from DAP had already started in the 2023 state elections and continued in the last two by-elections.

It would be a Herculean task for DAP to win back the support and trust of the Indian community.

How can they forgive the Penang state government if their houses are to be replaced by high-rise buildings?

When the post of second deputy chief minister of Penang is given to a non-Tamil, how much respect will there be for the majority of Indians in the state?

Kok should not think that Chinese and Indians are fix deposits of  DAP. Both communities, once staunch supporters of DAP, could look for greener pastures.

While the Indians have left DAP, it is only a matter of time for the Chinese. The Chinese just need to find an acceptable political alternative.

An online daily is trying to create the impression that DAP must keep a low profile because it is a responsible political party.

However, those who support this fail to realise that DAP has toned down not because it is a responsible political organisation, but because its leaders have become addicted to power, posts and perks.

Toning down doesn’t mean that DAP must remain silent when it comes to the defence of the cultural and identity rights of Malaysians, especially non-Malays.

DAP's silence is a telltale sign that the party has become a yes-man for the hegemonic policies of the Madani government.

DAP’s metamorphosis is due to the party leaders' thirst for power, positions and perks.

P Ramasamy is chairman of political party Urimai and former deputy chief minister of Penang. 

https://www.malaysianow.com/opinion/2024/07/18/daps-metamorphosis-and-the-forgotten-fight-for-progressive-society