By Lesaya L. Sorudim
KOTA KINABALU: In the aftermath of DAP’s disappointing electoral performance in Sabah, some within the party have been quick to attribute the setback to the slow pace of reform under the Madani Unity Government. While this explanation may appear convenient, it overlooks a deeper and more uncomfortable reality.
The real reason for DAP’s collapse in Sabah lies largely in the actions—and in some cases the inaction—of its own leadership.
Before the historic 2018 general election, national DAP leaders made strong promises to the people of Sabah. Chief among these was the pledge to honour and fully implement the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), an issue that carries profound meaning for Sabahans who have long believed that their rights and status within the federation have been eroded over time.
These promises struck a chord with the people of Sabah. Many voters placed their hopes in DAP’s assurances that, once in power, the party would push strongly for the restoration of Sabah’s rights.
However, when DAP became part of the federal government after 2018, expectations were high that those commitments would be translated into action.
Instead, many Sabahans felt disappointed. Even when DAP leaders held influential positions in government—particularly the powerful Finance Minister portfolio—progress on key MA63 issues appeared limited.
To many observers and voters, it seemed that the party had retreated from the bold promises it once championed. Whether or not this perception fully reflects the complexities of governing, the political damage was real. In politics, perception often shapes reality, and the perception that promises were not fulfilled undermined trust.
Another critical factor behind DAP’s setback was the internal transformation within Sabah DAP itself. In recent years, a younger and newer batch of leaders rose to prominence within the party.
While leadership renewal can be healthy, the transition appeared to come at the expense of many veteran leaders who had spent years building the party’s presence in Sabah long before 2018.
These veterans had endured difficult political battles and had earned the respect of grassroots supporters through their consistent advocacy for Sabah’s rights.
When they were sidelined or pushed aside, many long-time supporters felt that the party had abandoned its own foundations. The familiar brand of Sabah DAP politics—built on perseverance, loyalty, and a clear struggle for Sabah’s interests—was gradually replaced by a new style that many voters struggled to connect with.
The consequences soon became evident at the ballot box. Supporters who once stood firmly with the party began turning to other political forces that they believed continued the same struggle without abandoning their principles.
The scale of the rejection was also reflected in the fate of allied candidates. Even PKR’s two urban candidates—who relied heavily on DAP’s voter base for support—lost miserably. Their defeat illustrated a broader political message: the erosion of confidence in DAP had ripple effects that extended beyond the party itself.
For this reason, blaming the Madani government’s slow reform process does little to explain what really happened. The issue goes far beyond the speed of national reforms. It is fundamentally about credibility, trust, and the relationship between a party and its grassroots supporters.
DAP’s defeat in Sabah should therefore be seen as a moment for honest reflection. If the party hopes to regain relevance in the state, it must rebuild trust, reconnect with the grassroots, and demonstrate that it remains committed to the promises and struggles that once inspired Sabahans to support it.
Until that happens, blaming slow reform will only postpone the deeper self-examination that true political recovery requires.
