KUALA LUMPUR – DAP will continue its political struggle to win voters despite having been unfairly made a “punching bag” by its opponents, said DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.
Speaking at the party’s annual convention for its Selangor chapter today, the transport minister said it is “no surprise” that DAP is still made a “target” of slander and allegations from detractors of the unity government.
“DAP will continue to be a target (of allegations) that we are a threat to the federal administration and claims that we are a party challenging (the rights of) Malays and Muslims.
“Although we have explained ourselves many times, (our opponents) feel that DAP is a good punching bag and target for their slander,” he said.
He added, however, that “patience and consistency” in its performance under the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will negate such allegations.
“My advice is to not give up, even if they (opponents) continue to insult us.
“I am sure that if we continue to properly perform our duties and carry out our political fight according to the federal constitution, we will be able to win over Malay voters,” he said.
Loke also said that the success of Pakatan Harapan (PH) and its unity government partners in the upcoming elections in Selangor will be the “main indicator” for the nation’s political stability.
“The key performance indicator I have set for Selangor DAP is to defend the 16 seats we have in the state assembly so that we can contribute to the formation of a solid and stable state government,” he said.
During the same event, Selangor DAP chief Gobind Singh Deo said that discussions between PH and Barisan Nasional on the upcoming elections in six states are still ongoing.
He said the coalitions’ mutual commitment to the state polls expected later this year proves the stability of the federal unity government.
Last month, the menteris besar and chief ministers of the six states – Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu – agreed to consider dissolving their respective state assemblies in the last two weeks of June, according to Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. – The Vibes, March 26, 2023
