# Democratic Action Party > Malaysian political party **Wikidata**: [Q1185837](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1185837) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Action_Party) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/democratic-action-party ## Summary The Democratic Action Party (DAP) is a Malaysian political party founded on October 11, 1965, by Chen Man Hin and Devan Nair. It is a social democratic, secular, and progressive political party based in Malaysia and currently part of the Pakatan Harapan coalition. With approximately 450,000 members as of 2015, the DAP is one of the major opposition parties in Malaysia and maintains membership in international political organizations including the Progressive Alliance and Socialist International. ## Key Facts - **Official Name**: Democratic Action Party (DAP) - **Alternative Names**: Parti Tindakan Demokratik (Malay), 火箭党 (Chinese for "Rocket Party"), 民行党, Democratic Action Party, DAP - **Founding Date**: October 11, 1965 - **Founders**: Chen Man Hin, Devan Nair - **Country**: Malaysia - **Political Ideology**: social democracy, secularism, progressivism - **Coalition**: Pakatan Harapan - **International Memberships**: Progressive Alliance, Socialist International - **Headquarters**: DAP National Headquarters - **Current Chairperson**: Gobind Singh Deo (since March 16, 2025) - **General Secretary**: Loke Siew Fook (since March 20, 2022) - **Member Count**: 450,000 (as of 2015) - **Official Website**: dapmalaysia.org - **Social Media**: Twitter (@DAPMalaysia), Facebook (DAPMalaysia), Instagram (@dapmalaysia), Threads (@dapmalaysia) - **Party Colors**: white, red, blue - **Sitelink Count**: 19 - **VIAF ID**: 266625075 - **GND ID**: 16345815-7 - **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n82119548 ## FAQs ### What is the Democratic Action Party (DAP)? The Democratic Action Party (DAP) is a Malaysian political party founded in 1965 that advocates for social democracy, secularism, and progressivism. It is one of the major political parties in Malaysia and currently participates in the Pakatan Harapan coalition. ### Who founded the Democratic Action Party? The Democratic Action Party was founded in 1965 by Chen Man Hin and Devan Nair. The party has since grown to become one of Malaysia's largest opposition parties. ### What are the political beliefs of the Democratic Action Party? The DAP's political ideology encompasses social democracy, secularism, and progressivism. The party advocates for democratic reforms, social justice, and secular governance in Malaysia. ### What coalition does the Democratic Action Party belong to? The DAP is currently part of the Pakatan Harapan (Alliance of Hope) coalition, a major political coalition in Malaysia comprising opposition parties. ### What international organizations is the Democratic Action Party affiliated with? The DAP holds membership in two major international political organizations: the Progressive Alliance and the Socialist International, both of which are political internationals that bring together social democratic and progressive parties from around the world. ### How large is the Democratic Action Party? As of 2015, the DAP reported having approximately 450,000 members, making it one of the largest political parties in Malaysia by membership. ### Who is the current leader of the Democratic Action Party? The current chairperson of the DAP is Gobind Singh Deo, who assumed the position on March 16, 2025. The general secretary is Loke Siew Fook, serving since March 20, 2022. ### What is the DAP's symbol or nickname? The Democratic Action Party is commonly known as the "Rocket Party" (火箭党 in Chinese), referring to its logo featuring a rocket symbol. ## Why It Matters The Democratic Action Party holds significant importance in Malaysian politics for several reasons. As one of the oldest continuously operating opposition parties in Malaysia, the DAP has played a crucial role in providing an alternative political force to the ruling coalitions that have dominated Malaysian politics since independence. The party's commitment to social democracy, secularism, and progressive values positions it as a key advocate for democratic reform and social justice in a country governed by a federal constitutional monarchy. The DAP's participation in the Pakatan Harapan coalition represents a significant shift in Malaysian politics, bringing together diverse opposition parties to challenge the established political order. The party's international affiliations with the Progressive Alliance and Socialist International connect Malaysia to global democratic and social democratic movements, providing the DAP with international recognition and support. With approximately 450,000 members, the DAP represents a substantial base of political engagement and activism in Malaysia. The party's presence across multiple states and its ability to mobilize voters have made it a formidable force in Malaysian elections, consistently winning significant numbers of parliamentary seats and state assemblies. The DAP's emphasis on secular governance and multi-racial politics distinguishes it from many other Malaysian political parties, offering an alternative vision for the country's political future that appeals to urban voters, minority communities, and those seeking reform. ## Notable For - **Major Opposition Party**: One of the two largest opposition parties in Malaysia, consistently winning significant parliamentary seats in elections - **International Affiliations**: Member of both the Progressive Alliance and Socialist International, connecting Malaysian politics to global social democratic movements - **Longest-Running Opposition**: One of Malaysia's oldest opposition parties, founded in 1965 and continuously operating for over five decades - **Coalition Leadership**: Key member of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, which formed the federal government following the 2018 general election - **Multi-Racial Appeal**: Known for advocating multi-racial politics and secular governance in Malaysia's diverse society - **Mass Membership**: Approximately 450,000 members as of 2015, making it one of Malaysia's largest political parties by membership - **Digital Presence**: Active social media presence across multiple platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads ## Body ### Overview and Identity The Democratic Action Party (DAP), also known as Parti Tindakan Demokratik in Malay, is a political party in Malaysia established on October 11, 1965. The party was founded by Chen Man Hin and Devan Nair, marking its establishment as a platform for democratic opposition in Malaysia. The DAP is commonly referred to as the "Rocket Party" (火箭党 in Chinese) due to its distinctive rocket logo, which has become an iconic symbol in Malaysian politics. The party operates under the political ideologies of social democracy, secularism, and progressivism. These ideological foundations guide the DAP's policy positions, which emphasize democratic governance, social justice, equality among all Malaysians regardless of race or religion, and progressive reforms to Malaysia's political and economic systems. ### History and Development The Democratic Action Party was founded in 1965, emerging from the political landscape of Malaysia during a period of significant political development. The party's founding came at a time when Malaysia was consolidating its position as a newly formed federation, and the DAP offered an alternative political vision to the existing political establishments. Throughout its history, the DAP has grown from a small opposition party to become one of the major political forces in Malaysia. The party has survived multiple electoral cycles and political transformations, maintaining its position as a consistent voice for democratic opposition and progressive politics. ### Leadership Structure The DAP is led by a chairperson who heads the party's organizational structure. The position of chairperson has been held by several notable Malaysian politicians: - **Gobind Singh Deo** (current, since March 16, 2025) - **Lim Guan Eng** (March 20, 2022 – March 16, 2025) - **Tan Kok Wai** (March 29, 2014 – March 20, 2022) - **Karpal Singh** (September 4, 2004 – March 29, 2014) - **Lim Kit Siang** (1999–2004) - **Chen Man Hin** (March 18, 1966 – December 1999) The general secretary position, currently held by Loke Siew Fook since March 20, 2022, manages the party's day-to-day operations and organizational affairs. ### Political Positioning and Ideology The Democratic Action Party distinguishes itself in the Malaysian political landscape through its explicit commitment to social democracy, secularism, and progressivism. These ideological positions differentiate the DAP from many other Malaysian political parties, particularly those that emphasize ethnic-based politics or religious conservatism. The party's social democratic platform advocates for: - Greater economic equality and social welfare provisions - Democratic governance with strong institutional checks and balances - Protection of civil liberties and human rights - Reform of Malaysia's political and electoral systems The DAP's secularism emphasizes the separation of religion from state governance, advocating for equal treatment of all Malaysians regardless of religious affiliation. This position has made the party particularly appealing to minority communities, including Malaysian Chinese, Indians, and indigenous populations. ### Coalition Politics The DAP is a member of the Pakatan Harapan (Alliance of Hope) coalition, one of Malaysia's major political coalitions. The coalition brings together opposition parties united in their commitment to democratic reform and challenging the ruling establishment. The DAP's participation in Pakatan Harapan represents a significant strategic alignment, combining the party's progressive platform with other opposition parties to present a unified political alternative to voters. The coalition achieved a historic victory in the 2018 general election, defeating the Barisan Nasional coalition that had governed Malaysia since independence. ### International Affiliations The Democratic Action Party maintains membership in two major international political organizations: **Progressive Alliance**: A political international organization comprising social democratic and progressive political parties from around the world. The DAP's membership in the Progressive Alliance connects it to a global network of like-minded political parties committed to democratic socialism and social democracy. **Socialist International**: Another major political international organization that brings together social democratic parties globally. The DAP's affiliation with the Socialist International further establishes its place within the international social democratic movement. These international affiliations provide the DAP with: - Access to international political networks and resources - Recognition as a legitimate social democratic party - Opportunities for cooperation with similar parties globally - Support and solidarity from international political movements ### Organizational Structure The DAP operates from its National Headquarters, serving as the central organizational hub for party activities across Malaysia. The party's organizational structure includes: - **Chairperson**: Head of the party, currently Gobind Singh Deo - **General Secretary**: Chief administrative officer, currently Loke Siew Fook - **State-level organizations**: Party branches in each Malaysian state - **Member base**: Approximately 450,000 members as of 2015 The party's membership makes it one of the largest political parties in Malaysia by numerical strength, providing a substantial base for electoral mobilization and political activism. ### Electoral Performance The Democratic Action Party has been a consistent electoral force in Malaysian politics, winning significant numbers of parliamentary seats in federal elections and seats in state legislative assemblies. The party's electoral support is concentrated particularly in: - Urban areas, especially in Peninsular Malaysia - constituencies with large Chinese minority populations - Progressive and reform-minded voters The DAP's electoral success has made it one of the two major opposition parties in Malaysia, alongside the Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS), though the two parties have at times had different political orientations and coalition arrangements. ### Symbolism and Branding The Democratic Action Party is easily recognizable by its distinctive rocket logo, which has earned the party the nickname "Rocket Party" (火箭党 in Chinese). The rocket symbol represents the party's aspirations for progress and advancement, reflecting its progressive political ideology. The party's colors are white, red, and blue, which appear on its official flag and branding materials. These colors are used consistently across the party's official communications, merchandise, and electoral materials. ### Digital and Media Presence The DAP maintains an active presence across multiple digital and social media platforms: - **Website**: dapmalaysia.org serves as the official online platform for party information, news, and member engagement - **Twitter**: @DAPMalaysia provides real-time political updates and commentary - **Facebook**: The party maintains an active Facebook presence for broader public engagement - **Instagram**: @dapmalaysia offers visual content and party activities - **Threads**: The party has expanded to Meta's Threads platform under the username dapmalaysia The party's social media following has grown significantly over the years, with preferred follower counts reaching over 202,000 as of February 2023, demonstrating its strong digital engagement and ability to reach younger voters. ### Related Entities and Connections The Democratic Action Party is connected to various entities within the Malaysian political ecosystem: - **Pakatan Harapan**: The coalition the DAP currently belongs to - **Progressive Alliance**: International political organization - **Socialist International**: International political organization - Various Malaysian political figures who have served in leadership positions The party also has connections to media organizations and civil society groups that share similar political values and objectives. ### Conclusion The Democratic Action Party represents a significant force in Malaysian politics, offering a sustained progressive alternative to the country's traditional political establishments. Founded in 1965, the DAP has endured as a major opposition party, advocating for social democracy, secular governance, and progressive reforms. Its membership in international organizations like the Progressive Alliance and Socialist International connects Malaysian politics to global democratic movements, while its participation in the Pakatan Harapan coalition positions it at the center of efforts to transform Malaysian governance. With approximately 450,000 members and a strong digital presence, the DAP continues to be a major player in shaping Malaysia's political future. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. CiNii Research 3. [Source](http://progressive-alliance.info/2810-2/) 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. Quora 6. [Internet Domains Wikibase](https://domains.wikibase.cloud/entity/Q34777)