Loke tables motion at DAP national congress to decide whether party stays in Cabinet

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has proposed a vote at the party's national congress in Putrajaya for delegates to decide if the party should continue its presence in the Cabinet. Deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming seconded the motion, which will be decided by over 4,000 delegates.

Loke, who serves as Transport Minister, clarified that the Central Executive Committee (CEC) did not initiate the motion. He emphasized the party's second consecutive term in federal government, lasting longer than its previous tenure of 22 months in 2018. Loke highlighted the symbolic significance of the event, noting it was the first DAP conference held in Putrajaya.

Recalling history, Loke recounted how Lim Kit Siang rejected a proposal in the early 1970s to merge DAP with MCA, asserting that the party represented all Malaysians. He stressed that the party's multiracial character is non-negotiable.

Loke stressed the burdens of being in government, including accepting unpopular decisions, facing criticism, and handling protest votes. He clarified that the aim of being in government is not merely to occupy seats or become ministers, but to contribute to a better nation. DAP has experienced a decline in support following recent elections, with losses in Sabah, Johor, and Negri Sembilan.