Anthony Loke says govt has 15 months to finish reforms, no need to rush GE16

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 6 — DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has stated that there is no urgent need to rush the 16th general election (GE16) as the unity government still has 15 months left to complete its reform agenda. His statement came in response to calls from various quarters, including Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to dissolve Parliament early and pave the way for GE16.

At the Wanita DAP national congress, Loke mentioned that the DAP advised Anwar not to yield to such pressure as long as he maintains majority support in the Dewan Rakyat. The DAP leader emphasized that the remaining 15 months should be utilized to fulfill the commitments made during the 15th general election in 2022. While Anwar has hinted that an early election could be considered, the current focus is on economic revival, public welfare, and combating corruption.

Loke also highlighted that political differences among the unity government parties do not hinder their ability to govern together, provided everyone adheres to the government. Additionally, DAP has not yet decided whether to collaborate with BN in the upcoming Melaka state election and has maintained a neutral stance on the negotiations between Amirudin Shari, the election director of Pakatan Harapan, and Melaka BN chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh.

As the transport minister, Loke stressed that DAP remains committed to the reforms already approved by the Cabinet, which include constitutional amendments to address the separation of attorney general and public prosecutor roles, as well as a proposed term limit for the prime minister.