DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has rejected allegations that party leaders have been hesitant to speak on critical issues since joining the unity government in 2022.
Speaking at the 18th DAP National Congress in Shah Alam, Loke stressed that DAP leaders are not only political figures but also national leaders who must be strategic, intelligent, and diplomatic in their approach.
“If I were the first to respond to disputes among unity government leaders, it could spark a ‘war of words’ and jeopardise our federal administration’s unity,” he said.
“Today, we are in government. There is a way to speak out. Not only must we express our views, but we also need to hold dialogues, have meetings, and most importantly, find solutions. If we just speak out but do not solve the problem, what is the point? There is not a single issue we have ignored,” he told the 3,204 delegates present.
As transport minister, Loke highlighted that DAP now has direct access to raise concerns in cabinet meetings chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was also in attendance.
He cited the controversial constitutional amendment on withdrawing automatic citizenship from foundlings as an example. According to Loke, several DAP lawmakers had strongly opposed the amendment, deeming it inhumane.
“Only four DAP MPs supported the amendment. The rest did not,” he revealed.
Loke shared that he had personally conveyed these concerns to Anwar, who promptly intervened by instructing Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to delay the amendment. In March last year, the cabinet scrapped the proposal following widespread backlash.
He described this as proof of DAP’s ability to influence policies through diplomacy rather than public confrontation.
Loke also reaffirmed DAP’s unwavering support for Anwar as prime minister, stating that the party had no “second candidate” for the position.
“DAP is committed to supporting Anwar as the prime minister after the 16th general election,” he said.
Earlier, DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng echoed the party’s backing for Anwar while maintaining that DAP would never be a “yes-man.”