Loke to chart new path for DAP, unaffected by Guan Eng's puppet tag
Newly elected DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke is turning a deaf ear to allegations that he is merely his predecessor Lim Guan Eng's puppet, installed in the position for the latter to remain in control of the party.
Paying no heed to such claims, Loke instead has trained his sights on charting a new direction for a stronger DAP.
"I am aware of the comments that claim I am only a puppet while Lim is still controlling the party.
"Regarding these comments, I will do my job, make sure we have good results (during the election) and prove that we (the new leadership) can lead the party. We have a good team," he told The Rocket in an interview yesterday.
In quelling such accusations, Loke said the central executive committee (CEC) was elected through a democratic system within the party, which must be respected.
"It's normal for others to comment especially after a party election. But I will not pay much attention to these labels and comments,” he added.
Loke, who replaced Lim after the latter reached the maximum three-term limit, acknowledged Lim's contribution during his 18-year tenure as the party’s secretary-general and will continue focusing on taking DAP to new heights.
"The most important thing for our new leadership is to find a new path. We must have our own style and direction to make our party stronger," he added.
After stepping down as secretary-general, Lim is now the DAP chairperson.
DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng
GE15 goals
Loke pointed out that the new leadership, mainly led by the party's third-generation leaders, must prove their ability and what better time than in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15).
"Our first goal is to ensure that we can keep the 42 parliamentary seats or win more than that. It is our minimum target.
"The situation will definitely be different in the next GE, and so will the challenges and political atmosphere. It will be different from GE14, and keeping the party's representation in Parliament will be a big challenge.
"We hope the new leadership can work together to integrate everyone's strengths to face the election. That's why I emphasised my leadership must be inclusive and team-based during the first press conference after I took office," he said.
'Soul of the party'
On Lim Kit Siang’s controversial appointment as the party's mentor after he announced his retirement last weekend, Loke explained that the appointment was out of respect to the DAP supremo.
"He is the soul of our party. He announced his retirement, and he did not join the election of the CEC. He has no intention of running in the next GE, but his experiences and views are still very important to us.
"We will ask for his opinion on the party's important decisions. I don't think it will harm the party," he said, adding that the appointment did not mean that Kit Siang will be involved in all of the party's affairs.
Values that go beyond race
Responding to a question on his plan to attract more Malay supporters, the Seremban MP said this was a structural issue and would not be solved merely with a new secretary-general.
However, he stressed that DAP's struggle goes beyond the issue of race, which is a key point that must be explained to the people.
"How to attract the support of Malay voters? We must help them understand the direction and goals of our struggle.
"All this time, DAP has been smeared as an anti-Malay and anti-Islamic party. We have to change their views, and it definitely needs a lot of work and explanations," he added.
GE15 goals
Loke pointed out that the new leadership, mainly led by the party's third-generation leaders, must prove their ability and what better time than in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15).
"Our first goal is to ensure that we can keep the 42 parliamentary seats or win more than that. It is our minimum target.
"The situation will definitely be different in the next GE, and so will the challenges and political atmosphere. It will be different from GE14, and keeping the party's representation in Parliament will be a big challenge.
"We hope the new leadership can work together to integrate everyone's strengths to face the election. That's why I emphasised my leadership must be inclusive and team-based during the first press conference after I took office," he said.
'Soul of the party'
On Lim Kit Siang’s controversial appointment as the party's mentor after he announced his retirement last weekend, Loke explained that the appointment was out of respect to the DAP supremo.
"He is the soul of our party. He announced his retirement, and he did not join the election of the CEC. He has no intention of running in the next GE, but his experiences and views are still very important to us.
"We will ask for his opinion on the party's important decisions. I don't think it will harm the party," he said, adding that the appointment did not mean that Kit Siang will be involved in all of the party's affairs.
Values that go beyond race
Responding to a question on his plan to attract more Malay supporters, the Seremban MP said this was a structural issue and would not be solved merely with a new secretary-general.
However, he stressed that DAP's struggle goes beyond the issue of race, which is a key point that must be explained to the people.
"How to attract the support of Malay voters? We must help them understand the direction and goals of our struggle.
"All this time, DAP has been smeared as an anti-Malay and anti-Islamic party. We have to change their views, and it definitely needs a lot of work and explanations," he added.
Loke said DAP's fundamental principles and philosophy involved fighting for a just society.
"We hope that everyone can have a harmonious and fair society. Our government must govern well and must fight corruption. We want a government with integrity and one that can provide good services. These are our fundamental values.
"These values are beyond race. Chinese voters definitely will support these values, and in the same way, I think Malay voters agree to these values as well," he added.
Loke stressed that it was critical to convince Malay voters that DAP's values would not threaten them.
"Our values are for the good of the country and society. The values are to create a country with more integrity and further help society," he said.
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