Loke’s resignation too late to reverse discontent with DAP, say analysts
They say the resignation comes too late to undo growing dissatisfaction among the party’s supporters, although it sends the right political signal.
DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook resigned as transport minister on Tuesday, amid concerns about the party's position in the unity government, according to political analysts. While the resignation may help restore confidence among DAP's core supporters, it may not be sufficient to fully address the party's dissatisfaction, particularly in light of its recent underperformance in state elections.
Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister, allowed Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest, prompting Loke's resignation. This move could ease political pressure on Loke and DAP, but it is likely too late to erase the growing dissatisfaction among supporters, according to analysts Tawfik Yaakub and Liew Wui Chern. The dissatisfaction is not limited to Najib's house arrest, but also encompasses reforms, the government's performance, and DAP's cooperation with Umno.
Loke's resignation might provide a political signal, but it came too late to reverse the discontent among DAP's supporters, said Tawfik, from Universiti Malaya. He believes it is better late than never for Loke and DAP to take such decisive action. Liew, from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, agrees that Loke's resignation is justified on political grounds but unlikely to erase the long-standing dissatisfaction with DAP.
The resignation could help ease the situation, but it may not be enough to fully restore supporters' confidence, said Liew. DAP's declining performance in recent state elections, such as in Sabah, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan, has contributed to the dissatisfaction. Despite the move, only one DAP leader has stepped down from the Cabinet, and the impact on voters' perceptions is doubtful, according to Lau Zhe Wei of International Islamic University Malaysia.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
