Malaysia's DAP clashes with UMNO over coalition tensions

DAP Penang adviser Lim Guan Eng accused UMNO of acting as a “scissors in the blanket”, condemning remarks by senior UMNO official Datuk Seri Reezal Merican that he said were harsh and blamed DAP and PKR for identity politics while accusing BN and PN of being the real perpetrators. Lim warned that UMNO might use its position in Penang to benefit Perikatan Nasional and urged Pakatan Harapan leaders to defend the state government's integrity.

DAP vice‑chair Dr Abdul Aziz Bari said the party’s dissatisfaction with the overall administration and governance is prompting a debate on whether DAP should remain in the federal cabinet. He cited unresolved issues such as alleged corporate mafia activities, a pending Royal Commission of Inquiry into former anti‑corruption chief Tan Sri Azam Baki, and internal coalition disarray. DAP will decide at its national conference on 16 August, with a secret ballot of about 4,000 delegates determining whether the party stays in the cabinet or moves to a backbench role.