SHAH ALAM – Outgoing DAP chairman Tan Kok Wai has characterised the Pakatan Harapan coalition’s crushing defeat in the Johor state election on March 12 as a minor setback that can be easily be overcome in the future.
Addressing the DAP national congress at the IDCC Convention Centre in Shah Alam today, he pointed to the party’s failure in winning any seats in Johor in the elections of 1995, 1999 and 2004 while only landing one seat in Penang each time.
“What is important is that we learn from these defeats and rise again,” said Tan, who is Cheras MP and a former special envoy to China under the PH government from 2018 to 2020.
He praised the coalition as being a model of political cooperation and a defender of the people’s welfare.
He added that while Barisan Nasional (BN) might be attempting to ride on the momentum of its landslide victories in the Melaka election in November and the Johor polls by pushing for an early general election, PH will not be rolling over in submission any time soon.
“In facing the challenges posed by the 15th general election (GE15), we must show BN that we will not cave in, because we believe that justice and success belong to those who fight for the truth and betterment of the people.”
Tan also stressed that DAP is not a party that is all talk and no action when it comes to advocating gender progressive principles, as it has striven to include women representatives at the top levels of its party leadership.
“The national congress this year will see a participation of at least 30% women delegates joining the central executive committee as upheld by the party’s constitutional amendment.
“I am extremely proud to have highly capable female leaders in our party, especially as many have a track record of furthering the human rights agenda in Malaysia,” he said, extending his congratulations to women DAP candidates who had won seats in Johor.
In the election last weekend, Gan Peck Chin won the Penggaram state seat, Liaw Cai Tung took Johor Jaya, Marina Ibrahim wrested Skudai and Ng Kor Sim won Jementah.
Although Tan will be stepping down from his post as DAP chairman, he assured that he is not considering retiring from the political world anytime soon, as he is still intent on contributing his services to the people.
“I am choosing to continue serving DAP and Malaysian citizens in a different capacity, but rest assured that I will always be there for all of you,” he said. – The Vibes, March 20, 2022
