22/04/2026

WEDNESDAY | APR 22, 2026

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Pressure mounts for DAP to assert its voice

KOTA KINABALU: Former New Straits Times (NST) Sabah and Sarawak editorial head Joseph Bingkasan (pic), 71, has died, believed to be due to cancer. His son Lester J. Bingkasan, who is also a newspaper journalist, said his father died at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital here at 3.56am yesterday. “My father passed away this morning. He had bone and prostate cancer. He was also undergoing haemodialysis. We ask all friends to pray for my father.” He said Ex-NST editorial head dies Joseph received the Tabung Kasih Hawana in 2023, which was presented by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil during a visit to his home in Kampung Kionsom, Inanam. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and also suffered from kidney failure and hypertension. He had extensive experience in journalism, beginning as a sub-editor with the Kinabalu Sabah Times in 1977 before joining New Straits Times Press as a correspondent in Sabah. – Bernama No grounds to delay Malacca election: Ab Rauf MALACCA: The state has no solid grounds to postpone the Malacca election, which is expected to take place this year in accordance with the State Constitution, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. He said, under the State Constitution, the Barisan Nasional (BN)-led state government’s term ends in December. “According to the existing provisions, the (state) election can be held at any time from May until the end of the said period (in December). “I do not see the need to postpone this election as there is insufficient basis to support the proposal,” he said after officiating at the Enrique of Malacca Groundbreaking Ceremony here yesterday. Previously, Pontian MP Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan was reported as saying he would bring forward a motion to postpone the Johor and Malacca polls to the UMNO Supreme Council meeting, in view of the geopolitical crisis in West Asia, Bernama reported. Meanwhile, Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong, who is also state DAP chairman, suggested that the state government submit a petition to the king to declare a state of emergency to postpone the Malacca elections, following the global supply crisis. f u n e r a l arrangements are being made and the family will share details, including on the memorial service, in due course.

o Party must now prioritise stability and collective governance: Political analyst

for some, “the choice is either DAP or no one”. Syaza added that Umno appears to be the most stable force within the unity government, signalling a shift in coalition dynamics. In February, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party would hold a special congress in July to decide whether its leaders should resign from positions in the unity government while continuing to support it in Parliament. He said delegates would vote on whether party leaders should step down from roles including ministers, deputy ministers, state excos, local councillors and government-linked company appointees. This would mark the first time such a decision would be put to delegates instead of being decided by the central leadership.

He said those in power cannot speak as freely and are often required to defend decisions they once criticised, emphasising that DAP must strike a careful balance to retain support. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said it is premature to draw firm conclusions on the party’s trajectory. “I think for DAP, we have to wait until after their congress this July,” she said, noting that current public sentiment towards the party is “not that great”. She also pointed to uncertainty among Chinese voters, including concerns over turnout. “The talk has been on whether Chinese voters would go out to vote or not,” she said, acknowledging that

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun said the party’s challenge lies in balancing ideology with governance. “For a majority of urban and Chinese voters, ideology and delivery are not mutually exclusive,” he said, highlighting that values such as meritocracy and clean governance remain closely tied to performance. However, he said voters may prioritise principles if a party is seen to be compromising its stance. Oh also said parties in government face limitations not present in opposition.

KUALA is determined to strengthen internal unity and intensify strategies to engage the younger generation as part of efforts to ensure the party’s continuity in the current political landscape, its supreme council member said. Datuk Mohd Razlan Muhammad Rafii said as the largest Malay party approaches its 80th anniversary, it remains steadfast in championing the interests of the community and the nation, despite having gone through various challenging phases, including leadership crises. He also said throughout more than 60 years of leading the country’s administration, Umno has proven its ability to drive progress and LUMPUR: Umno PETALING JAYA: DAP is under growing pressure to prove it has not lost its voice, or its base, as it navigates the constraints of power ahead of the next general election. Analysts say the party’s transition from opposition to government has reshaped its tone and public perception, raising questions over whether it is adapting to governance or drifting from the expectations of its core supporters. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali dismissed claims that DAP has become less vocal, saying its role in government comes with inherent constraints. “DAP cannot act like it did when it was in the opposition before,” he said, adding that the party must now prioritise stability and collective governance. He added that DAP has long dominated Chinese-majority and urban constituencies, particularly since the 2008 general election when Pakatan Rakyat, now Pakatan Harapan, made significant gains. He said the party maintained its dominance through the 2013, 2018 and 2022 general elections. However, he pointed to the 2025 Sabah election as a potential turning point. “After almost 19 years, DAP was rejected by their community,” he said, adding that the outcome has reignited debate over the party’s direction and reform credentials. Despite this, Mazlan rejected suggestions that DAP is being sidelined, arguing that its role has evolved and it retains the capacity to deliver, particularly in education and community development. He downplayed concerns over the party losing its “kingmaker” status, noting that voter behaviour at the federal level may differ from state or by-election trends.

Mazlan rejected suggestions that DAP is being sidelined, arguing that its role has evolved and it retains the capacity to deliver, particularly in education and community development. – BERNAMAPIC

Umno to boost unity and youth engagement

Bumiputera Education Congress, the Education Entrepreneurship Carnival, and a special meet-and-greet session between Umno Youth and Puteri wings and new members. Commenting on the “Rumah Bangsa” unity concept, he said more than 6,000 individuals, including prominent figures such as Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Khairy Jamaluddin and Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar, have returned to the party, reflecting Umno’s openness. Meanwhile, Federal Territories Umno Youth chief Datuk Aliff Firdaus Abd Hadi admitted the party’s biggest challenge is reaching youth who didn’t witness its early struggles. He said the Youth and Puteri wings

prosperity through various policies that remain relevant to this day, Bernama reported. “Umno is now more dynamic and aims to emerge stronger by implementing policies that are more practical, pragmatic and in line with current developments as well as the needs of the people.” Razlan said Umno’s 80th anniversary celebration, to be held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur from May 1 to 5, is significant in tracing the party’s achievements and serving as a platform to engage the public, particularly youths. Among the key programmes scheduled are the Umno 80th Anniversary Convention, the

shoulder a major responsibility as ambassadors to create awareness on the party’s cause through grassroots involvement and the use of new media platforms. “Umno must adapt its communication approach to be closer to the younger generation without ignoring facts and realities. It must keep up with the times and cannot lag behind. We cannot stick to old or static methods, and leaders must listen to what the people want, not the other way around.” He added that Umno is on the right track to strengthen its position through continuous transformation, demonstrating the organisation’s maturity to remain a choice of the people.