KUALA LUMPUR – With Anthony Loke stepping down as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman after his defeat in Chennah, the party now faces a pivotal test: its National Convention on Aug 16 will decide whether DAP remains in government until the end of the current Parliament’s term.
DAP secretary-general Loke confirmed that the motion was agreed upon at the party’s central executive committee (CEC) meeting last night.
“We leave it to the wisdom of the over 4,000 delegates that qualify to attend the National Convention to decide whether DAP should remain in the government till the end of term or otherwise,” he said after chairing the meeting at the DAP headquarters.
DAP national chairman Gobind Singh Deo, deputy secretary-general Hannah Yeoh and other senior leaders were present.
Pressed on whether the CEC had taken a stand, Loke stressed that no official position was adopted.
“We did discuss the matter, but the CEC will not take any stand. What is important is the delegates’ decision. So, we don’t want to have any stand in guiding the delegates’ decision. Delegates have full independence in making their decision,” he said, adding that ballot papers will be distributed for the vote.
He noted that while members expressed differing views, these were personal opinions and not binding on the party.
“We practise a system of internal democracy, so the decision on our position in the government isn’t determined by me or the national chairman Gobind Singh Deo. Even though I’m the secretary-general and Gobind is chairman, the decision whether we remain or not in the government will be decided by the delegates as part of the party’s collective decision,” he added.
Loke’s resignation adds pressure
On Aug 3, Loke announced his resignation as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman after losing the Chennah seat, ending his 22-year tenure.
“This is my personal decision without any pressure from anyone, but I feel it is the right time to hand over the position to another leader,” he said.
Although he relinquished his state role, Loke remains DAP secretary-general, a position reaffirmed unanimously by the CEC. A Negeri Sembilan DAP committee meeting will soon elect his successor.
His departure at the state level, coupled with the upcoming Aug 16 vote, underscores the stakes for DAP as delegates weigh the party’s future in government. – August 4, 2026