Loke denies more MPs to bow out but says 'nobody indispensable'

Loke denies more MPs to bow out but says 'nobody indispensable'


Other DAP lawmakers have not expressed their intention to take a political sabbatical like Bangi MP Ong Kiang Ming, according to party secretary-general Anthony Loke.

He was responding to speculation that more MPs, including Damansara's Tony Pua and Bakri's Yeo Bee Yin, would not defend their seats in the next general election.

Like Ong, Pua and Yeo are considered to be part of DAP's elite faction. The trio, however, failed to make the cut in the recent party election.

At a joint press conference with Ong in Kajang, Selangor, today, Loke stressed that DAP's struggle is greater than any individual's.

"As far as I know, Ong is the only MP who made such an announcement... No other announcements have been made, no other decisions have been made by others," he added.

On the same note, Loke noted that it was normal for new candidates to emerge during an election.

"As I mentioned earlier, we appreciate everyone's contribution, but the struggle is not about any particular individual. So no one is indispensable. The struggle must continue," he added.

Citing Lim Kit Siang and Ong as examples, Loke said the veteran decided to retire from electoral politics whereas the latter was taking a political sabbatical, but this did not mean the two were deserting DAP.

"Lim is not leaving DAP. Ong is not leaving DAP.

"We have to change the public's perception. Politics is not just about the frontline. Politics is not just about being an MP or assemblyperson. Politics is a struggle. Politics is a mission to make the country better.

"Party leaders and members play different roles. Even if they are not at the frontlines, they can still play an important role," he added.

Tough fight ahead in Bangi

Loke thanked Ong for communicating his decision early, allowing DAP to identify a new candidate for the Bangi seat.

He revealed that the outgoing MP also promised to assist in campaigning as well as constituency work in the run-up to the next polls.

Loke conceded that Bangi would be a tough battle as it was a mixed seat with a total of 178,000 voters, 10 percent of whom were below 21.

With an electorate the size of three to four parliamentary constituencies, Loke said it was crucial for DAP to identify a suitable candidate to replace Ong.

"Although we won with a majority of 68,768 votes (in 2018), we cannot be arrogant or overconfident as the situation for every general election is different," he added.

Meanwhile, Ong, 47, said he was prepared to bow out because there was no shortage of young leaders in DAP who could step up to the plate.

"I was given an opportunity to contest in Serdang in 2013, that seat was gifted to me by a young person, Teo Nie Ching, who went to Kulai.

"For those who asked why am I making the announcement now, when I am not that old, I think the party has proven itself. It has a track record of promoting and allowing young and capable leaders to step up, gain experience and lead the country to a better future," he added.