KUALA LUMPUR – DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has urged opposition parties to band together under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) logo for the upcoming 15th general election (GE15), which he theorised will only happen next year.
Noting that PKR had run using its own logo in the Johor state polls while DAP and Amanah had opted to carry the PH banner, he called on PKR to finalise its decision on the matter soon since the party’s polls have been concluded.
“The decision is crucial for us to prepare for GE15, as physical preparations, such as the printing of merchandise, cannot be done without a definite resolution,” he told reporters today, adding that a verdict by August would allow the coalition time to prepare.
He stressed that while it does not seem like elections will be held within the next couple of months, plans for GE15 should be initiated soon, as the opposition, which is now in their final term, used to prepare at least a year before the end of their term.
“The DAP election committee already started their work immediately after our national congress in March.
“We have started physically campaigning and conducting on the ground surveys in some states as well as organising some fundraising dinners,” he said during a meeting with editors at the Concorde Club, here, today.
He said that since DAP is contesting in constituencies where they are incumbents, the party has an added advantage, as its MPs have established a presence within the area and among the people.
“Election campaigns are not just during the few months leading up to the polls; the work you have done in the past four to five years (also) matters.
“As far as DAP is concerned, my goal is for us to maximise our seats and maintain our current strength.
“A major challenge will be maintaining our victory of winning, at least in our 42 incumbent seats,” he said.
Besides that, he said that while it would be difficult to say for sure or plan too far ahead in the world of politics, he believes that GE15 will only take place sometime after Hari Raya next year.
“Although there is much talk of elections happening in August or September, I don’t think they (the government) will risk holding elections amid rising inflation in the next few months.
“October to December will not be suitable as well, since everyone knows that we will be in the monsoon season and possibly face floods,” he said, pointing out that the next Chinese New Year falls on the end of January while Hari Raya will be in March.
“No election will be held in the middle of the festive season. It has never happened before in our history, so the next window for elections will be after Hari Raya next year,” he said.
He also said that the possibility of a post-election coalition should be considered in Malaysia, as it is a norm in many European countries.
“It is normal in several European nations that no single party can win the elections. After the polls, they have to compromise and come together to reach a deal.
“Perhaps this is something that will happen in Malaysia,” he said. – The Vibes, July 5, 2022
