KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke announced today that he is stepping down as the party’s Negeri Sembilan state chairman, a post he has held for 22 years.
The decision follows his defeat in the Chennah state constituency during the Negeri Sembilan state election on Aug 1. Loke lost to Barisan Nasional candidate Siow Kong Choon by 688 votes (5,726 to 5,038).
Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur after a Central Executive Committee meeting, Loke said the resignation was a personal choice made without pressure from any quarter.
“I have been in the role for 22 years. It is time for me to step down as state chairman and allow the state leadership to train and select someone from the existing committee,” he said. “I will call a meeting soon so that the Negeri Sembilan committee can be restructured, and a new state chairman found.”
Loke, who is also Transport Minister, stressed that he will remain as DAP’s national secretary-general. The CEC had urged him to continue in the state role, but he insisted on passing the baton.
The move comes amid a series of electoral setbacks for Pakatan Harapan in recent state polls. DAP’s national congress is scheduled for Aug 16, where delegates are expected to discuss the party’s position in the unity government.
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