DAP prioritises politics over duty, says Umno veteran

Othman Desa, chief of a veterans group, has called on DAP representatives serving in the Cabinet to maintain clearer boundaries between party politics and their duties as government ministers. His remarks come after what he characterised as a politically-motivated decision by members of the party. "Cabinet members must separate their political interests from their personal feelings and public responsibility," Desa said, suggesting that ministerial positions demand impartiality. The criticism highlights ongoing tensions between coalition partners in Malaysia's government structure. DAP, as the largest Chinese-majority party in the ruling coalition, holds several Cabinet portfolios, a position that has occasionally drawn scrutiny from other political quarters. Desa's comments reflect broader concerns about whether ministers can effectively balance party loyalty with their constitutional obligations to serve the nation's interests. The statement underscores the delicate balance required in Malaysia's multi-party governing arrangement, where coalition partners must navigate competing political agendas while maintaining government cohesion.