DAP can’t give up on winning support from all races, says Loke

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook emphasized that the party remains committed to winning support from Malaysians of all races, despite recent electoral setbacks. Loke highlighted that breaking through racial barriers has been a challenge since DAP's early days and continues to be an issue the party faces as it is often accused of representing only one race.

He expressed his desire for DAP to remain a multiracial party, drawing inspiration from the life and sacrifices of veteran leader Lim Kit Siang, who refused to dissolve DAP in the 1970s, asserting that the party was not just for Chinese but for all Malaysians.

Loke also apologized to party members for his defeat in the August 1 state election in Negeri Sembilan, where he lost Chennah to MCA's Siow Kong Choon by 688 votes. He expressed his sadness over the loss and apologized to all present for his defeat. Despite the challenges, Loke urged the party to persist in pursuing its multiracial aspirations, stating that they cannot give up on their dream of being accepted by all races.

Delegates are currently deciding whether DAP should continue in government until the end of the parliamentary term or become backbenchers. Loke stressed that this decision is particularly crucial following DAP's heavy defeat in the Sabah election, which he said sent a clear message that Sabahans had rejected the party. He acknowledged that while being in government comes with responsibilities, including unpopular decisions for which they may be blamed, their objective is not merely to hold positions but to contribute positively to the country's betterment.

Loke referenced the idealism of their veteran leaders, especially Lim Kit Siang, as motivation for their ongoing struggle.