DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke reaffirms the party’s commitment to remain a multiracial party for all Malaysians as DAP marks its 60th anniversary, stressing its founding principles of justice, freedom and democracy
PUTRAJAYA: DAP will remain a multiracial party for all Malaysians, secretary-general Anthony Loke said today, reaffirming the party’s founding principles as it marks its 60th anniversary.
Loke said the party must not lose sight of the ideals on which it was established, including fighting for justice, freedom and democracy, regardless of race or religion.
He said the party, which was founded in 1966 by a small group of activists, had grown into a major political force and was now part of the Federal Government.
Loke said DAP’s growth and experience over the past six decades should not cause it to lose sight of its original purpose.
He said the party was founded to ensure Malaysians had a better life and equal opportunities to succeed in whatever field they chose.
“These are the ideals of our party that cannot be forgotten, from the CEC leadership to every DAP member.
“This is our struggle that we cannot forget,” he said in his speech at the party’s 18th National Congress here today.
Loke also invoked the legacy of veteran DAP leader Lim Kit Siang, recalling an episode from a theatre production he watched depicting Lim’s political journey.
the production, Once Upon A Malaysian Dream, which chronicled Lim’s struggles from the 1960s to the present, featured an episode following his release from detention under the Internal Security Act in the early 1970s.
Loke said Lim, who was DAP secretary-general at the time, had met then-MCA president Tun Tan Siew Sin, who proposed that DAP dissolve and merge with MCA to strengthen the political representation of the Chinese community within the ruling coalition.
“Lim Kit Siang firmly rejected the proposal because he said DAP was not only for the Chinese.
“DAP had Indian and Malay leaders and members, and was for Malaysians,” he said.
Loke said the episode, which took place more than five decades ago, remained relevant to DAP’s identity today.
“Today, DAP is 60 years old. As secretary-general in 2026, I want to state firmly at this congress: DAP will remain a multiracial party for Malaysians,” he said.
He said the party’s 60th anniversary was a milestone reflecting its maturity, experience and ability to withstand political challenges while remaining a significant force in Malaysian politics.
