DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has brushed aside calls for the party to withdraw from its position in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, saying it will stay on until the next general election is held.
He reiterated his stance during an interview with Singaporean media outlet CNA, saying it was necessary for DAP to remain for the nation’s sake.
DAP to remain in PH
Loke, who is also Transport Minister, said he believes DAP cannot go far if it were to leave PH and venture into uncharted waters alone.
While it is easy to go solo, you can only play the role of opposition. You cannot be part of the process of nation-building. You cannot be in the process of governance.
“If we really want to effect change in a government, in society, you have to be in a position of power…I am a believer in coalition politics.”
Loke also said choosing to withdraw from PH will play right into the hands of its political rivals who “do not want the DAP in government”.
Defended slow reforms
Commenting on the criticism DAP faced when it came to implementing promised reforms, Loke said the party was forced to accept compromises that was in stark contrast with its tenure as the Opposition.
He also said progress should be measured by policy delivery rather than political rhetoric.
“After becoming the government, I keep on telling them that in government, what matters is delivery.
“It’s not how loud you shout, but how much you can do within the constraints of coalition politics and within the constraints of the government.”
Loke said while DAP hoped to see reforms being carried out more quickly, it had to grapple with the realities of a coalition government, which meant progress was often slower than supporters hoped.
‘Not a total rejection of DAP’
DAP suffered one of its worst electoral showing at the recent Johor state election, where it saw several stronghold seats being lost to bitter rivals MIC and MCA.
Despite the drubbing, Loke said the results do not necessarily mean DAP was totally rejected by Malaysians.
If you look at our vote share, it increased compared to the last election. While not at the same percentage as BN, it is still an increase.”
“DAP had to listen to voters and adapt its approach as elections are an important form of public accountability.
“That is the beauty of democracy. That’s the beauty of elections, that you send a certain message to the government,” he said.
Loke is set to defend his Chennah state seat at Negeri Sembilan’s election, which will be held on Aug 1.
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