Loke refutes claims of party polls interference, says no issue with Guan Eng
Malaysiakini Team
Published: Nov 14, 2024 9:53 PM
The Penang DAP election on Sept 22 stirred much dispute and speculation, with a branch representative publicly accusing secretary-general Anthony Loke of meddling during the convention.
In response to the criticism, Loke emphasised that he merely provided “guidance to party members” and denied any interference in elections within the party’s Penang chapter.
Loke confirmed that he had arranged for an exclusive interview with Kwong Wah Yit Poh on Sept 12, 10 days before the polls, where he proposed the “Sim-Lim formula”.
“The reason for choosing Kwong Wah Yit Poh is evident because it’s a major publication in Penang and closely follows the state’s developments.
“The interview took place in the morning and was published by the evening. So yes, this was something I wanted to share because sometimes, when you need to speak up, you just should.
“As secretary-general, it’s necessary to provide some direction to party members with the hope of achieving a desired outcome. But what constitutes interference? Did I force anyone to support this? No. I simply expressed my views and my hopes for the outcome,” he said.
Loke, who is transport minister and Seremban MP, was speaking during an interview for a Malaysiakini Chinese-language podcast last week, which was aired on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts today.
Loke further stated that even after presenting the “Sim-Lim formula”, there was nothing he could do if party members chose not to support it.
The “Sim-Lim formula” referred to the proposal for Human Resources Minister Steven Sim to become the Penang DAP chairperson, while Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying would continue as the state DAP secretary.
Ultimately, the election results on Sept 22 aligned with Loke’s hopes, as Sim was elected as the new state chief.
However, during the debate session of the convention that same day, DAP Happy Valley Branch chairperson R Ganeson criticised Loke for allegedly interfering in Penang’s party elections.
A leadership test
Loke reiterated that his support for Sim was intended to prevent a leadership vacuum in Penang DAP after Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stepped down as state party chief.
He stated that since the DAP governs Penang, the state party chairperson must be someone with “clout and public acceptance”.
He further said that Sim is suitable to lead Penang DAP in the upcoming election.
Steven Sim
“For now, we are giving him an opportunity and platform to prove whether he can lead Penang DAP in the next state election and potentially become the party’s chief ministerial candidate.
“But this has not been decided yet. I can also clarify on this platform that the Penang DAP chairperson does not automatically become the chief ministerial candidate.”
Following the Sept 22 Penang DAP polls, some within the party reportedly believed that Sim had departed from the influence of former chief minister Lim Guan Eng, weakening the latter’s influence in the northern state.
Some Chinese-language newspapers even speculated that Guan Eng’s faction suffered a near-total defeat in this party election.
However, Loke dismissed such notions.
“I don’t view it that way. First of all, Guan Eng is the party’s national chairperson and has served as Penang’s chief minister for two terms; his influence and support within Penang DAP are undeniable.
“I also disagree with the claim that Sim is ‘zi li men hu’ (setting up his own camp). Every leader must have their own capabilities to lead. Being the state party chief does not mean he opposes anyone.
“There is no basis for such speculation,” he said.
“The next two to three years will test Sim’s wisdom and leadership - whether he can unite all forces to lead the (state) DAP.”
‘Nobody controls me’
Loke took over as the party’s secretary-general from Guan Eng on March 20, 2022, while the latter became the party chairperson due to the top post’s term limit as stipulated in the party constitution.
During this transition, speculation arose both inside and outside the party that Guan Eng might continue to exert influence after stepping down.
“For now, we are giving him an opportunity and platform to prove whether he can lead Penang DAP in the next state election and potentially become the party’s chief ministerial candidate.
“But this has not been decided yet. I can also clarify on this platform that the Penang DAP chairperson does not automatically become the chief ministerial candidate.”
Following the Sept 22 Penang DAP polls, some within the party reportedly believed that Sim had departed from the influence of former chief minister Lim Guan Eng, weakening the latter’s influence in the northern state.
Some Chinese-language newspapers even speculated that Guan Eng’s faction suffered a near-total defeat in this party election.
However, Loke dismissed such notions.
“I don’t view it that way. First of all, Guan Eng is the party’s national chairperson and has served as Penang’s chief minister for two terms; his influence and support within Penang DAP are undeniable.
“I also disagree with the claim that Sim is ‘zi li men hu’ (setting up his own camp). Every leader must have their own capabilities to lead. Being the state party chief does not mean he opposes anyone.
“There is no basis for such speculation,” he said.
“The next two to three years will test Sim’s wisdom and leadership - whether he can unite all forces to lead the (state) DAP.”
‘Nobody controls me’
Loke took over as the party’s secretary-general from Guan Eng on March 20, 2022, while the latter became the party chairperson due to the top post’s term limit as stipulated in the party constitution.
During this transition, speculation arose both inside and outside the party that Guan Eng might continue to exert influence after stepping down.
Lim Guan Eng
As his first term nears completion, Loke declared that such interference never materialised.
“Definitely not. I have my own independent thinking, leadership style, and approach. No leader controls me. But in the DAP, major decisions are typically made collectively by the central committee and top leaders.”
Loke noted that even during Guan Eng’s tenure as secretary-general, decisions were not made unilaterally.
Thus, he believes the notion of Guan Eng’s lingering influence is unfair.
“Back then, I was his assistant, supporting him. Now that I am the secretary-general and he is the chairperson, there is a slight shift in dynamics.
“But over the past two-plus years, I can affirmatively say that he has shown great respect for my position as secretary-general,” Loke said, adding that they have had “no major issues”.
“He calls me SG (short for secretary-general) now; he doesn’t use my name. That’s his way of showing respect for my position.
“I believe maintaining such understanding is crucial. So far, we’ve had no major issues and can work together with different responsibilities,” he said.
Loke also confirmed his intention to seek re-election as secretary-general in the DAP central election next March.
As his first term nears completion, Loke declared that such interference never materialised.
“Definitely not. I have my own independent thinking, leadership style, and approach. No leader controls me. But in the DAP, major decisions are typically made collectively by the central committee and top leaders.”
Loke noted that even during Guan Eng’s tenure as secretary-general, decisions were not made unilaterally.
Thus, he believes the notion of Guan Eng’s lingering influence is unfair.
“Back then, I was his assistant, supporting him. Now that I am the secretary-general and he is the chairperson, there is a slight shift in dynamics.
“But over the past two-plus years, I can affirmatively say that he has shown great respect for my position as secretary-general,” Loke said, adding that they have had “no major issues”.
“He calls me SG (short for secretary-general) now; he doesn’t use my name. That’s his way of showing respect for my position.
“I believe maintaining such understanding is crucial. So far, we’ve had no major issues and can work together with different responsibilities,” he said.
Loke also confirmed his intention to seek re-election as secretary-general in the DAP central election next March.
No comments:
Post a Comment