GEORGE TOWN – DAP has not strayed from its pro-working class politics despite being in power for nearly two decades in Penang and now forming part of the federal government, says Penang DAP vice-chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
In an exclusive interview with Scoop, Zairil, who is also the state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital executive councillor, asserted that the party continues to uphold its social democratic ideals.
He highlighted that while DAP is on track to complete 20 years governing Penang by the end of its fourth consecutive term, the party initially led the state as an opposition government during its first decade in power.
“We had to fight our way through for the most part of our (first two terms in) government, and it is only now that we are also in federal government,” he said in the interview at his office in Komtar.
“Even then, we are in a unity government. So, it is not like it’s a PH government, and (therefore), a lot of compromises (have to be made).
“It is really not easy and not smooth sailing (experience). But I would actually say that I don’t think we are anywhere near being an elitist party.”
DAP’s continued push for workers’ rights
Zairil, who is also a three-term Tanjung Bungah assemblyman, maintained that DAP remains committed to working-class Malaysians, upholding social democratic values, and advancing social justice.
He pointed to the efforts of Penang DAP chairman and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim in improving workers’ rights, including the recent increase in the minimum wage to RM1,700, which took effect last month.
For the record, the Human Resources Ministry is also working on the Gig Workers Bill, which aims to safeguard the welfare of part-time workers, particularly in the e-hailing and p-hailing sectors. While the bill was initially expected to pass this month, the Cabinet has deferred its adoption for further deliberation.
“So I think very much DAP still stands for all that (working-class politics),” Zairil added.
His remarks came in response to a question on whether DAP risks following the trajectory of the United States’ Democratic Party, which was historically rooted in working-class politics before shifting towards a centrist, elitist stance.
He was also asked how younger leaders like himself should act to prevent DAP from heading in a similar direction.
Engaging the youth in politics
On a separate matter, Zairil acknowledged the challenge of engaging young people in politics, a concern shared by many parties in Malaysia’s evolving political landscape.
He noted that today’s younger generation has only ever known DAP as the ruling party in Penang and has not experienced the struggles of the past—such as repressive governments, draconian laws, and crackdowns on political activism—that shaped the party’s history.
Zairil also pointed out that these generations are less familiar with the contributions of DAP stalwarts such as the late Datuk Seri Karpal Singh and Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang.
“Our democracy has become a much more mature system, and there’s less street fighting today, if you want to put it that way. So we remember these leaders (party stalwarts) because they were great street fighters.
“But in today’s Malaysia, you don’t need that much street fighting, and it is a completely different situation.
“The question we have to ask ourselves is, what excites the young people today? What excites them politically, and how to get them engaged in political issues?” he said.
Zairil noted that his generation was drawn into politics by the fight for civil liberties, free speech, and human rights, including the battle against detention without trial.
“Of course, there are (more) struggles today with globalisation and economic issues. Therefore, I think we have to identify (these issues) and we need to engage them (youths),” he added. – March 3, 2025