Loke seeks to cement candidate selection committee in DAP constitution

Summary

• Anthony Loke plans to propose internal reforms at the party's upcoming congress, including formalising the candidate selection mechanism in the party constitution.

• Loke aims to make the candidate selection process more transparent and systematic to prevent internal disputes, which have recently intensified, particularly concerning leadership and candidate selection.

• The party will also discuss the issue of elected representatives accepting honorary titles, seeking a more flexible approach to handle situations where declining such offers may be seen as disrespectful.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has announced plans to propose several internal reforms at the party’s congress this Sunday, including incorporating the highly debated candidate selection mechanism into the party constitution.

He said these proposals would be presented in his policy speech, with the candidate selection mechanism being a key element.

DAP's candidate selection committee consists of five members, commonly referred to as the "five-member committee."

However, Loke stressed that the committee is not necessarily limited to five members, nor is it a fixed requirement.

"It can be three, five, seven, or even nine members. At present, the composition is determined by the Central Executive Committee (CEC)," he explained.

"There are certain aspects that we need to systematise. Previously, the CEC appointed this five-person committee, but how it operates has never been defined in the party constitution.

"I hope that during my tenure, we can establish a better mechanism to strengthen the party," he said in a joint media interview at the party headquarters this afternoon.

Loke added that any reform proposals requiring amendments to the party constitution would need to be approved through a party congress.

Internal conflicts

DAP is set to hold its CEC election on March 16. Originally intended to select a leadership team to prepare for the next general election, internal conflicts have unexpectedly intensified, leading to a movement aimed at removing party chairperson Lim Guan Eng.

The movement to unseat Lim originated in Penang, stemming from disputes over the selection of candidates for the 2023 Penang state election. These tensions later extended into the 2024 Penang DAP state leadership polls and have now reached the upcoming CEC election this Sunday.

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Loke believes that formalising the candidate selection process within the party constitution would not only enhance professionalism but also help prevent internal disputes.

"Many internal conflicts within political parties stem from disagreements over candidate selection. This is a challenge we must be prepared to address in the future.

"DAP has grown significantly, with over 100 MPs and state assemblypersons. Selecting more than a hundred candidates for each general election is undoubtedly a major challenge," said the transport minister.

Honorary titles for elected reps

Loke cited examples from other parties, such as Umno and PKR, where the power to select candidates is primarily concentrated in the hands of the party leader.

"However, I want DAP to implement a more transparent and systematic approach. This is a reform I hope to introduce during my second term as secretary-general," he said.

Loke also reiterated that the party would discuss the issue of honorary titles for elected representatives at the national congress on Sunday.

"As a general rule, no MP or state assemblyperson should accept honorary titles. However, we understand that in some cases, it is difficult to decline, especially when a sultan personally offers an honour to a particular leader.

"Refusing such an offer could be seen as disrespectful to the rulers. Therefore, we may need to introduce a more flexible approach in our system to handle such situations," he suggested.

The 18th DAP National Congress and CEC election will be held at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam.

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70 candidates to contest in highly anticipated DAP polls on March 16