IT IS disappointing — though not surprising — to witness Anthony Loke, a senior minister and the secretary-general of DAP, dismiss the legitimate concerns raised by MCA with such arrogance and disdain.
His statement that he “couldn’t be bothered” with MCA and saw no need to entertain the party’s views reflects a worrying contempt for the very foundations of a healthy democracy.
In a functioning parliamentary democracy, political parties — whether in government or opposition — have a duty and responsibility to scrutinise, question, and hold the government to account, especially in times of constitutional uncertainty and economic distress. The recent controversies surrounding the judiciary’s appointments, the public backlash against increased SST, the burdensome e-invoicing requirements, and the erosion of subsidies directly affect the rakyat and warrant public debate, not haughty dismissal.
It is neither the privilege of government parties to selectively decide whose views matter, nor to arrogantly brush aside criticism with the conceit that “only the people will judge us at elections.”
Elections are but one mechanism of accountability — continuous public scrutiny, opposition critique, and institutional checks are equally vital.
By refusing to address the substantive concerns raised and resorting to belittling remarks, Anthony Loke has exposed the DAP leadership’s discomfort with being questioned — a trait unbecoming of a government that once campaigned on transparency, accountability, and respect for dissent.
The rakyat deserves leaders who engage with criticism, not those who cower behind arrogance.
What happened to Competence, Accountability and Transparency?
What happened to Democracy?
Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker is a former MCA vice-president, Senator and deputy minister
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