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Irreconcilable conflict no.1: DAP’s secular push for the separation of religion and governance directly conflicts with UMNO and some factions within Pakatan Harapan, which advocate for policies that integrate Islamic values. This difference is not just a policy dispute but reflects deeper, fundamentally opposed views on the future of Malaysia's governance. As long as these two opposing views remain, any coalition involving DAP and UMNO or even factions of Pakatan Harapan that favor religious-based governance will struggle to find common ground. This ideological divide touches the core of governance philosophy, affecting education, law, and civil liberties in Malaysia. The issue of whether Malaysia should adopt a more secular or religious framework is likely to continue as a major source of tension between these political forces.

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The deep-rooted conflict between DAP’s push for secularism and UMNO’s emphasis on Islam in governance creates a fault line that is difficult to bridge. DAP’s vision is based on a pluralistic, inclusive Malaysia where religion is a private matter and does not influence the state’s decision-making processes. In contrast, UMNO’s governance model ties religion to national identity, making it difficult to disentangle the two.

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Irreconcilable conflict no.2: Policy Conflicts
This divergence becomes apparent in various policy areas. For example, issues related to religious conversions, the role of Islamic education, and the application of syariah law reveal a stark contrast between DAP’s secular aspirations and UMNO’s Islam-centric governance. This has also surfaced in debates over the allocation of resources for Islamic institutions, religious schools, and the Islamic banking sector, where UMNO and its allies see state support as crucial, while DAP advocates for a more neutral stance.

UMNO’s reliance on the intertwining of religion and governance is not merely a political tool but is deeply embedded in its view of Malaysia as a Malay-Muslim nation. The religious undertones of its governance model extend to policies that favor Malay-Muslim interests, often marginalizing non-Muslim minorities.

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Irreconcilable conflict no..3: DAP’s Stance on Secularism
DAP has long advocated for the separation of religion from governance. Its leaders often champion a more secular framework, pushing for policies that prioritize civil liberties, rule of law, and a governance model that does not favor any particular religion. This secularism is rooted in DAP’s ideological commitment to Malaysia as a pluralistic and inclusive nation where all citizens, regardless of their religious background, are treated equally under the law. They argue that state endorsement of religion, particularly Islam, should not affect governance decisions, policy-making, or education.

For example, DAP has opposed the implementation of hudud laws in Malaysia, a move it believes could undermine the nation's secular constitution and further entrench religious-based legislation. DAP leaders have often voiced concerns about the risks of mixing religion and politics, as it could marginalize minority groups, threaten civil rights, and entrench divisive identity politics.

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If DAP (Democratic Action Party) continues to experience friction with UMNO (United Malays National Organisation), it could open a pathway for Borneo-based parties, particularly from Sabah and Sarawak, to gain increased political leverage and potentially "win it all."

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Power Shift Toward Borneo Representatives
Sabah and Sarawak have long held a pivotal role in the federal government. In the event of escalating tensions between DAP and UMNO, both parties may become more inwardly focused on their political struggles, leaving a vacuum for political influence. Borneo parties such as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) have increasingly asserted themselves, especially given their ability to act as kingmakers in coalitions. With DAP and UMNO occupied, Borneo parties can leverage this situation to push for more autonomy, development funding, and influence in national policy.

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Decentralized Coalition Politics
Malaysian politics are coalition-driven, and any instability or infighting between major Peninsula-based parties like DAP and UMNO weakens their coalitions, such as Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN). The more these coalitions fracture, the more dependent they become on Borneo-based partners to form stable governments. This elevates Borneo's influence, allowing them to extract greater concessions and policy influence.

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Focus on Regional Development
Both Sabah and Sarawak have historically felt marginalized in national development policies, especially regarding resource allocation and infrastructure projects. The collapse or weakening of Peninsula-based alliances due to DAP-UMNO friction could see Borneo parties prioritize regional agendas. By capitalizing on a weakened federal political structure, they could win key positions in cabinet and further press for regional interests to dominate national policy.

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Increased Leverage in East-West Tensions
East Malaysia's political landscape differs significantly from the Peninsula’s. Sabah and Sarawak’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious makeup provides Borneo leaders with bargaining chips that can be used to influence national policy. As DAP and UMNO struggle to navigate their ideological differences, Borneo’s more pragmatic, regional-centric parties can use their relative unity to broker better deals in federal politics.

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Erosion of Malay-centric Political Influence
UMNO's power largely stems from its ability to dominate the Malay political landscape. If it continues to clash with DAP, both parties may erode their electoral bases. This could weaken UMNO’s influence over Malay voters, creating an opening for Borneo parties to assert more federal influence, as Malay voters in the Peninsula might look for new political champions or become less cohesive in their support for traditional Peninsula parties.