Kuala Lampur, Aug. 13 -- When 4,264 DAP delegates gather on Sunday to decide whether the party should remain in government posts for the remainder of the parliamentary term, they will be making a decision whose consequences extend far beyond DAP itself.

The temptation to withdraw is understandable. Pakatan Harapan has suffered serious electoral reversals, most recently in Negeri Sembilan, while DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke suffered his first electoral defeat in 22 years.

The pressure on PH to recover its reformist credibility and address bread-and-butter concerns is consequently intense.

Yet DAP should understand an uncomfortable strategic reality. Leaving government would not necessarily insulate it from attacks by Perikatan Nas...