DAP leaders, Negeri Sembilan chapter back Loke after resignation remarks

Negeri Sembilan DAP has thrown its weight behind state party chief Anthony Loke, joining other party leaders in urging him to stay on after he said he was considering stepping down over the party’s overall performance in the state election.

Sin Chew yesterday reported that the transport minister said he would raise the matter at the upcoming DAP central executive committee meeting and let it decide.

In a Facebook statement, Negeri Sembilan DAP secretary Cha Kee Chin said that the state DAP committee stands in solidarity with Loke and unanimously urged him to continue leading as state party chairperson.

Cha said that although the party’s defeat in Chennah and Repah was disappointing, these losses should not be pinned on Loke.

“Loke’s leadership has been proven and is recognised as the best in the history of Negeri Sembilan DAP. From winning just two seats in 2004, his capable leadership has elevated the state DAP into a party respected by both allies and opponents.

“At a time when Pakatan Harapan has lost its majority in the Negeri Sembilan state assembly, the state DAP needs Loke’s charismatic leadership to face future challenges, including the 16th general election,” the Rasah MP said.

Cha added that the party’s preliminary analysis of the state election results indicated that Pakatan Harapan and DAP candidates continued to enjoy strong support among their core supporters, despite facing opponents who played on racial issues during the campaign.

In his Facebook statement, DAP deputy chairperson Nga Kor Ming also echoed Cha, saying he would stand by Loke, the party’s secretary-general, who had demonstrated outstanding leadership in the face of an exceptionally challenging and arduous election.

Loke lost the Chennah state seat, which he had held since 2013, to MCA.

“The disappointing defeats in Chennah and Labu are a difficult and bitter experience for us.

“The DAP will neither leave nor give up. Instead, we will engage in deep reflection and look forward to making a strong comeback in Negeri Sembilan.

“At this difficult juncture, we stand together with comrade Loke. We will remain true to our founding aspirations, stand united through thick and thin, and press forward with determination,” he posted.

READ MORE: Loke and Aminuddin defeated in Negeri Sembilan

Nga added that DAP and Pakatan Harapan will remain steadfast in honouring their commitments to the people, continue serving with their “feet firmly on the ground”, and strive to regain confidence and support via tangible achievements.

Resounding loss

In last night’s state election, BN won 18 seats, followed by Harapan’s 11, while Perikatan Nasional bagged seven.

Umno secured 16 seats for BN, while MCA won the remaining two. For Harapan, DAP won nine seats, with PKR taking the other two.

PN’s seven seats were split between PAS, which secured four, and Parti Wawasan Negara, which won three.

Bersatu and the other parties were completely wiped out.

As BN and PN are allies, they collectively have 25 seats, making them eligible to form the state government with a two-thirds majority.

READ MORE: BN-PN 'Malay unity' wave coming, and Harapan is in danger

This latest setback marks DAP’s third major electoral blow after Sabah and Johor, increasing concerns over the party’s ability to retain voter confidence beyond its traditional urban strongholds. 

Selangor and Penang, where DAP has enjoyed its strongest electoral foothold, could now face increased scrutiny regarding its ability to maintain dominance amid shifting political dynamics. 

‘Loke stayed even when difficult’

In another statement, Selangor DAP chairperson Ng Sze Han said that the party respects the democratic process and accepts the people’s verdict with complete humility.

“We knew from the start that Chennah was a difficult seat. Yet our secretary-general, Loke, shouldered the responsibility and took on the fight. Standing firm in the hardest moment is the mark of a true leader.

“DAP needs his steady leadership and foresight now more than ever,” said Ng, who is also the party’s assistant national treasurer and a Selangor state executive councillor.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow also urged Loke to remain as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairperson.

In a post on his Facebook page, Chow advised Loke to take “a day or two to cool down” before making any decision regarding the state leadership role.

“Losing a seat is naturally disappointing, but the party still needs his leadership, experience, and commitment. I hope he will give himself some time before deciding on the next step,” Chow said.

READ MORE: Identity politics at 'extraordinary' levels, Harapan leader says over N Sembilan defeat

In a statement, DAP national chairperson Gobind Singh Deo said the party accepts the outcome of the Negeri Sembilan state election with humility, acknowledging that voters have delivered their verdict.

He also described Loke’s defeat in Chennah as a closely fought contest.

“Loke has served the party and the people with distinction for many years, and we are confident that he will continue to do so.

“DAP has faced challenges and defeats before. The message from voters is clear. We must and will conduct a thorough assessment of this outcome, listen carefully to the concerns and grievances of the people, and work hard to regain their confidence and support,” he added.

Renewal opportunity

In a short statement on Facebook, former DAP veteran Teng Chang Khim said that Loke’s planned exit should not necessarily be viewed as a setback for the party, but as an opportunity for leadership renewal.

Teng said an organisation should not depend on a single figure for too long.

“Having Loke step down as state chairperson isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“It creates an opportunity for other leaders to grow, as an organisation shouldn’t rely on a single strongman for too long.

“Most of the current leaders are experienced, which frees up space to recruit talent from the outside,” he said.

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