PUTRAJAYA – Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) victories in the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections prove that the people are tired of Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) threats of toppling the unity government, said DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.
He added that PN’s narrative that the government would change if the coalition emerged victorious had backfired, as it did not resonate with the people.
“This shows that the people do not want to see political instability, division, or the government toppling,” he told a press conference at the DAP annual convention in Marriott Putrajaya Hotel, here today.
“Instead, they want to see stability, so the government can focus on policy planning and development.
“It is a sign that the people are sick of the political games of PN. They do not want to see the nation in chaos to the point of not being able to focus on governance.”
As such, Loke urged DAP members to focus on rebuilding the nation’s economic strength, so that the people’s income can increase and, in turn, secure further support for the party.
He also attributed PH’s success in Simpang Jeram to Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, saying that the constituents there support his leadership.
During his speech to the convention, Loke recommended other parties emulate DAP’s centrist policy approach and social democratic ideology.
Nonetheless, he reiterated that DAP is not a communist party and that its fight will always be in line with the Federal Constitution.
Loke, who is also transport minister, said DAP members should have confidence in themselves, as supporters have given their faith and mandate to the party.
However, he reminded them not to be haughty with their position in the government, as it is not necessarily permanent.
“Today, DAP is at its peak in success, but we must remind ourselves that all party leadership must remain humble and indebted to the people, and must not be arrogant in our fight.”
Meanwhile, Loke said DAP will provide full support to Umno and Barisan Nasional for the upcoming Pelangai by-election in Pahang, just as how the coalition supported PH during the Pulai and Simpang Jeram polls.
The Pelangai seat was vacated following the death of incumbent Datuk Seri Johari Harun of BN in the plane crash near Bandar Elmina, Shah Alam on August 17. – September 10, 2023