The Withering Away of Socialism in DAP

From Kua Kia Soong

As anticipated, DAP’s latest internal elections have been marked by intense power struggles and intra-party factionalism, overshadowing substantive policy discussions. Socialist ideals, once the driving force behind DAP, now appear to be mere relics of the past, seldom invoked in contemporary party discourse.

The Shift Away from Socialism

This shift is particularly alarming given the current global political climate. As liberal democracy faces increasing scepticism worldwide, socialism has resurged as a viable alternative, championed by movements advocating economic fairness and social justice. Yet, at a time when socialism is regaining legitimacy, DAP appears to be retreating from it, moving towards a centrist, pragmatic approach that prioritises electoral viability over ideological consistency.

A Return to Socialist Roots

The party used to champion policies that prioritised social justice, equality, and economic fairness. That was how it could attract people like Fan Yew Teng, Lee Ban Chen, and myself. Fan’s early writings showed commitment to socialist principles. Lee, too, showed that same commitment in his speeches and writings. I drafted the party’s “25 years of struggle” and “Tanjong Declaration” in which the commitment to socialism is clear.

The Setapak Declaration 1967

In its early years, DAP was unequivocal in its socialist vision. The Setapak Declaration of 1967 declared an “irrevocable commitment to the ideal of a free, democratic, and socialist Malaysia, based on the principles of equality of all ethnic communities, social and economic justice, and founded on the institutions of parliamentary democracy”. The party’s policies consistently reflected these aspirations, advocating for labour rights, equitable wealth distribution, and social welfare programmes to uplift marginalised communities.

The Need for a Socialist Revival

The new leadership of DAP must revive its commitment to democratic socialism – a vision that resonates with the working class, marginalised communities, and progressive Malaysians seeking a just society. If the party continues to abandon its socialist roots, it risks becoming indistinguishable from other political entities that prioritise power over principle.

The Way Forward

To stay relevant in the face of international realities and to reclaim its ideological legacy, DAP must:

• Reignite socialist discourse within the party, ensuring that policy debates centre on economic justice, workers’ rights, and wealth redistribution.
• Champion socialist policies in its legislative agenda, rather than merely engaging in opposition for the sake of political mileage. These include people-centred and sustainable development; a progressive economic policy; equitable wealth redistribution; improved public health, transport, and social services; participatory democracy; equitable wealth redistribution and an inclusive society and culture.
• Engage with grassroots movements and trade unions, reaffirming its commitment to the people rather than to elite political manoeuvring, defending workers’ rights and interests.
• Reaffirm its international socialist alliances, drawing inspiration from global movements that have successfully implemented socialist policies in governance.

Conclusion

As DAP moves forward, it must remember that its success was built on a foundation of socialist ideals. The party’s legitimacy and relevance depend not on internal political manoeuvring but its ability to champion the principles it once held dear. If DAP continues to neglect its socialist roots, it will find itself losing not only its ideological identity but also the trust of the people who once saw it as a force for progressive change.

FAQs

Q: What is the current state of socialism in DAP?
A: Socialist ideals, once the driving force behind DAP, now appear to be mere relics of the past, seldom invoked in contemporary party discourse.

Q: Why is this shift towards centrism alarming?
A: At a time when socialism is regaining legitimacy worldwide, DAP’s retreat from socialism suggests a lack of commitment to its founding principles.

Q: What does the party need to do to revive its socialist roots?
A: The party must revive its commitment to democratic socialism, reignite socialist discourse, champion socialist policies, engage with grassroots movements, and reaffirm its international socialist alliances.

Q: What are the consequences of neglecting socialist roots?
A: The party risks losing its ideological identity and the trust of its supporters, becoming indistinguishable from other political entities that prioritise power over principle.