Ong Kian Ming announced his resignation from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) on August 31, 2026, ending his 14-year membership since joining in 2012 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Ong served as the Member of Parliament for Serdang from 2013 to 2018 and for Bangi from 2018 to 2022 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. He also held the role of deputy minister of international trade and industry from 2018 to 2020 and was an appointed member of the DAP Central Executive Committee between 2019 and 2022 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Between 2018 and 2024, Ong was an elected member of the DAP Selangor state committee [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Ong stated he does not plan to join any other political party soon and will not contest in the upcoming 16th general election (GE16). "I am not planning to join another political party in the near future and I will not be seeking to contest as a candidate in the next general election (GE16)," he said [1]. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to support Khairy Jamaluddin’s campaign in GE16 if Khairy is given a seat to contest. Ong noted, "I remain committed to fulfil the promise I made on the 10th of January 2026, to help Khairy Jamaluddin campaign in GE16, if he is given a seat to run in" [1].

Khairy Jamaluddin, who served as health minister before being sacked in 2023, rejoined the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) in April 2026 [2]. Ong’s backing of Khairy is seen as a notable political endorsement ahead of GE16.

DAP chairman Gobind Singh Deo declined to comment on Ong’s resignation, saying, "No, not today. No politics today. I haven't read anything he said, so let's leave it for another time" [6]. Meanwhile, DAP vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan called Ong’s decision a personal right that deserves respect. "His decision to leave is his personal choice, and we respect that decision. Once you are no longer in the party, of course you are free to help anyone," Syahredzan said [6].

Political analysts described Ong’s departure as a loss of intellectual and policy talent for DAP but noted it does not herald a crisis within the party [7]. After leaving politics, Ong plans to continue serving the public through his podcast "Are We OK", advisory roles, and collaborating with like-minded individuals [1, 2, 4, 5].

Shortly after the resignation, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke posted the Malay proverb "Habis madu, sepah dibuang" on social media, sparking public speculation about its implications [8, 9].

Ong’s resignation comes just months before the national polls, with GE16 scheduled to take place later this year.