DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook is known to be a highly disciplined and firm, yet fair and pragmatic leader; he is also definitely not the emotional or the confrontational type but rather one who is open to frank discourse - and reconciliation - even with his fiercest political opponents.
Come to think of it, it's not easy to captain a strong yet much-maligned political party with 40 MPs, 90 state assemblymen and a chief minister - while at the same time serving as the federal minister for transport, which undoubtedly is one of the most problematic and demanding portfolios to helm!
Yet, he is also one who is willing to swallow his pride for a good cause; he had even earned the admiration of Sarawakian state leaders in the aftermath of the historic GE15 elections last November after having openly apologised to them for whatever statements made by his party leaders in the past that might have offended its government and its people. Very unlike DAP leaders, some might contend.
And what about his much talked-about cordial breakfast meeting with Terengganu Menteri Besar Dr Ahmad Samsuri (from the opposition Islamist party PAS!) to discuss state and national issues last September - at the invitation of the latter?
Yet, the DAP leader also has a stern and a "no-nonsense" side to his persona - never afraid to take the bull by the horns when he needs to!
In fact, during the 2023 DAP Congress last September he had bravely, yet humbly, explained that DAP is not a communist party, but instead it practises the doctrine of centre-left based on “social democratic" ideology.
He asserted that, as such, there is no need for the Malay community to worry about DAP because the party is committed to upholding the Federal Constitution and adhering to the principles of Rukun Negara; it will also defend the Federal Constitution where Islam is stated as the federal religion, but where freedom of religion for other teachings is assured.
Moreover, Loke added that Malaysia cannot be led by a leader who practises an extreme approach; it has to be a government that is inclusive and which truly represents the aspirations of “all” Malaysians.
He is also not averse to making hard decisions; this was clear for all to see during the run-up to the six state elections last August when several prominent, long-serving DAP leaders in Penang, including its outspoken deputy chief minister Prof Ramasamy, were unexpectedly left out in the cold, in favour of "new blood".
In fact, his firm style was all the more evident in his opening speech at the 22nd Perak DAP convention recently where he said that he will not hesitate to replace its "underperforming leaders" if they fail to meet the key performance indicators (KPIs) set by the party.
Loke said all of them must play an important role in shaping policies, adding that the party has representatives in the government - at federal, state and local levels - and they are to ensure the smooth functioning of the administration while delivering benefits to the people.
Furthermore, he stressed that these are the KPIs and objectives that they must be mindful of every day; and as if not enough, he further cautioned that they are all being constantly evaluated!
Loke also issued a stern reminder to his colleagues that the most important thing they must remind themselves every day is that when they hold a public position, it is a trust and responsibility that they need to fulfil for the benefit of the country, state, and people.
He went on to emphasize that they have been entrusted and given the opportunity to be DAP candidates; therefore they must do their best and never ever embarrass the party by not fulfilling their responsibilities as a candidate and representative of the people.
Anthony Loke has certainly set a very high standard for his party leaders in their duties to serve the rakyat but given the lackadaisical attitude and the irresponsible behaviour of some MPs in parliament, will any of his coalition partners or opposition heads dare to issue such a stern warning openly to their own party leaders?
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