SHAH ALAM – DAP has announced a significant shift in its long-standing stance on accepting honours, with secretary-general Anthony Loke stating that the party will adopt a more flexible approach regarding elected representatives receiving titles such as datukship.
“I’m not asking for a ‘datukship’ or any title – I’ll remain ‘Encik.’ But if any elected representative is nominated by the Sultan, the Central Executive Committee (CEC) should consider it. We will discuss a more flexible policy,” Loke said during the 18th DAP National Congress today.
However, he emphasised that this change would come with conditions.
“One cannot just join DAP for three months and start requesting all sorts of honours,” he remarked, signalling that the party will maintain a level of scrutiny in awarding recognition.
Beyond this policy shift, Loke reaffirmed DAP’s commitment to the stability and strength of the Madani government, asserting that the party remains a steadfast ally of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“In the 28 months since Anwar became prime minister, Malaysia has regained political stability, and the government has become stronger. DAP has played a role in ensuring the stability and strength of the Madani government today.
“We ‘embrace’ Anwar as tightly as possible. DAP will continue to stand firm in defending and supporting him.
“We are true allies – we will not stab in the back. We will ensure that the dark episode of the ‘Sheraton Move’ will never happen again. This is DAP’s promise.
“Although there are various issues, we must strengthen loyalty and unity. If this government succeeds, Anwar succeeds – and that means Malaysia succeeds,” he declared.
Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Anwar was also present at the event, held at the Ideal Convention Centre, here, today.
Loke, who is also transport minister, acknowledged that while political stability has improved, public sentiment has yet to reach a level that inspires full confidence.
“We must continue working hard to ensure meaningful reforms in the government administration system.
“DAP is also committed to supporting Anwar to remain prime minister after the 16th general election. There is no second candidate for the position other than Anwar,” he asserted.
As part of DAP’s internal reforms, Loke proposed a systematic and transparent candidate evaluation mechanism.
“This includes institutionalising the Candidate Selection Committee in the party’s constitution. The proposed amendments will be presented at the next National Convention in 2026.
“We will also officially introduce new positions within the Central Executive Committee (CEC), including DAP parliamentary leader (who must be appointed from among non-administrative members), strategic director, policy director, and election director,” he added.
Loke announced that the DAP Women’s chief will be appointed as a permanent member of the Candidate Selection Committee to further empower women’s representation in the party.
“Additionally, 30% of candidates for parliamentary seats must be women, starting from the 16th General Election,” he revealed.
DAP only a ‘yes man’ for the people: Lim Guan Eng
Meanwhile, DAP Chairman Lim Guan Eng reaffirmed the party’s loyalty to Anwar and Pakatan Harapan (PH) while making it clear that DAP prioritises serving the electorate.
“DAP is proud to have helped Anwar become prime minister, and we will continue to provide such support.
“However, let me emphasise that DAP is not a ‘yes man’ party – we are only ‘yes men’ to voters and the people of Malaysia. We commend the institutional and political reforms introduced by Anwar and the Unity Government this year.
“We hope that economic reforms will also be prioritised and expedited this year, so we can repay the trust of voters who believe PH can make Malaysia a better country for future generations,” he stated.
Earlier, it was reported that 4,203 delegates attended the congress, where they would elect the party’s new leadership for the 2025-2028 term. – March 16, 20