Loke tunai janji tapi belum cukup pulih sokongan DAP, kata penganalisis

Kelmarin Loke Siew Fook has confirmed his resignation as Transport Minister following Najib Razak's imprisonment for the SRC International case under house arrest. The move could potentially restore confidence among DAP's key supporters who have questioned the party's formation in a unity government, according to an analyst. However, they believe the action is not enough to fully restore its support, especially with the upcoming PRN Melaka race, following the party's poor performance in several prior PRNs.

While the decision is politically significant, it came too late to eliminate the dissatisfaction that has grown among the party's supporters, said Tawfik Yaakub, a UMK professor. Liew Wui Chern, a Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman academic, agreed that the timing was off, but still considered the move politically correct. He noted that dissatisfaction with DAP is not just about Najib's house arrest issue, but also reform, government performance and cooperation with Umno.

Thus, a ministerial shake-up may help alleviate the situation, but it may not be sufficient to fully restore supporter confidence. Loke, also DAP's chief of staff, recently confirmed his resignation following a High Court ruling allowing Najib to serve his remaining prison term under house arrest. The move could also reduce political pressure on Loke, particularly after his defeat in the DUN Chennah by-election in the Negeri Sembilan PRN.

According to him, if Loke remains in the Cabinet, he and DAP risk facing stronger political attacks due to perceived lack of adherence to the party's stand on remaining in the Cabinet.