Gobind need not step down as minister: Loke

Gobind Singh Deo need not relinquish his ministerial post after his defeat in the recent Selangor DAP election, said DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.

Loke, who is also the transport minister, commended Gobind’s acceptance of the results with an open mind, which he said reflected the party’s leadership values.

“So it’s not that because of yesterday’s defeat in Selangor, he has to step aside. No, definitely no. I want to stress that he will continue to present the party in the cabinet.

“He made his statements yesterday, and accepted the result and decision of delegates with open heart, this is the spirit of DAP leaders.

“I thank Gobind’s contribution to Selangor DAP all these years, and he continues to play an important role in national leadership, he is still our national deputy chairperson,” Loke said.

In the state DAP election yesterday, Gobind (above, left) failed to be re-elected to Selangor DAP’s 15-member committee.

Gobind - the previous term’s Selangor DAP chairperson - is the only party minister who was not elected to a state committee this year.

Gobind’s exit came despite Loke earlier telling delegates that he wished the Selangor committee to be a multiracial one that included a “Singh”, referring to a Punjabi.

Loke said this is a normal democratic process, and Gobind, as the DAP deputy national chairperson, can still play an important role within the party leadership and in the federal coalition government’s cabinet.

“Of course, it came as a surprise. It’s a shock defeat for Gobind, but this is the normal democratic process,” he added.

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