THE current unity government, made up of 19 political parties, is not under DAP’s control, party secretary-general Anthony Loke said. 

Dismissing such claims, Loke said the party had never exerted control on the government at any given time.

“There are some who claim since DAP is involved in the formation of the unity government, hence this government is controlled by DAP. But I just want to let the facts do the talking. 

“The government today is supported by 148 MPs. Out of 148 MPs, 77 are Bumiputera who are Muslims, 16 non-Muslim Bumiputeras, 43 Chinese, and 12 who are Indians and of other ethnicity. 

“That is to say, the majority in this unity government is still supported by Malay MPs who are Muslim and Bumiputera,” the Seremban MP said during his speech at the inaugural National Unity Government Convention at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. 

Last year, after the establishment of the unity government, Islamist party PAS went on social media with a poster accusing DAP of being a “parasite” riding on a Malay unity government that will, in the end, destroy the “weak” host.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was forced to assure voters DAP would not be in control of the government should the coalition win the election, and that a new prime minister will continue to be Malay.

Loke, who is transport minister, said it was important that the unity government establishes good cooperation and ensure good relations in the country.

He said among the main factors to form the unity government was to ensure political stability, defend diversity and pluralism, and forge good cooperation between races, religions and regions.

Loke said the competition should not be among Malaysians but with people outside the country. 

The convention, themed “Madani – Mewajahi Masa Depan Malaysia (Madani – Envisaging Malaysia’s Future)” is part of the government’s drive to foster unity among former rival parties ahead of the six state elections. – May 14, 2023.