Putrajaya: The DAP Party Conference today is being recognized as the pivotal gathering to determine whether the Democratic Action Party (DAP) will continue its participation in the Unity Government or opt to withdraw, as asserted by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Transport Minister Anthony Loke emphasized the significance of this decision being made collectively by over 4,000 delegates attending the conference, rather than solely by the 40 members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC). "We discussed this in the CEC and decided to leave it to the delegates to determine whether the party should remain in the federal government or not. Therefore, the delegates have to make a collective decision for the party," Loke stated.

He further highlighted the challenges and responsibilities associated with being part of the government, indicating that the party's leadership is entrusting the delegates to evaluate whether DAP should persist in its governmental role until the end of its term or transition to a pressure group. This critical address was delivered during his policy speech at the 2026 DAP Party Conference held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).

The conference saw the attendance of prominent figures such as DAP advisers Lim Guan Eng and Tan Kok Wai, national chairman Gobind Singh Deo, national deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming, alongside the entire party leadership.

Loke also pointed out the ongoing challenges the party faces in garnering support from Malay voters, referencing his recent defeat in the Chennah seat during the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election. He conveyed that his candidacy in the predominantly Malay constituency was not a pursuit of personal victory but an effort to demonstrate DAP's potential to secure support from a diverse voter base, including Malay-majority areas.

"I was unable to retain the Chennah seat. I apologise to the delegates for the defeat. I contested not for a personal victory. I contested despite the difficulties because I wanted to prove that DAP can gain the support of voters of various races and that we can win in Malay-majority areas," he expressed.

The historic significance of the DAP conference being held in Putrajaya for the first time adds further weight to the decisions being made at this crucial party event.