Former MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker has criticised DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke for what he described as an unnecessary and damaging response to remarks made by DAP lawmaker Yeo Bee Yin, warning that the episode reflected deeper issues within the party’s leadership culture.
In a statement issued on January 12, 2026, Ti said Loke’s decision to characterise Yeo’s remarks as an “extra stab” had reignited a controversy that should have already been resolved. According to him, Yeo’s earlier comments, though widely viewed as politically insensitive, had been addressed through a public reprimand, which should have marked the end of the matter.
Ti argued that Loke’s intervention did not help to ease tensions but instead worsened the situation by further damaging Yeo’s standing. He suggested that the additional criticism risked portraying the party as intolerant of internal differences, despite its long-standing claims of upholding democratic values and open discourse.
Questioning DAP’s credibility as a defender of minority rights and fair political competition, Ti said the handling of the issue sent a troubling signal. He noted that publicly admonishing an elected representative for expressing a view, rather than encouraging internal debate, could create an atmosphere of fear within the party.
According to Ti, labelling Yeo’s remarks in such terms risked exaggerating the issue and warning other party members that only views falling within narrowly defined boundaries were acceptable. He cautioned that this approach could discourage representatives from speaking honestly, particularly those in weaker positions or holding minority views.
Ti further criticised what he described as selective tolerance within a party that frequently promotes itself as democratic. He argued that publicly undermining an elected representative weakened that individual’s ability to serve constituents effectively, as credibility and independence were essential to public trust.
The criticism followed comments made by Loke during a podcast discussion, where he addressed the backlash over Yeo’s reaction to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s failed bid for house arrest. Loke had cautioned that additional remarks on the matter were unnecessary and could strain relations with Umno, especially given the existing political cooperation.
Loke also reiterated that DAP’s position on Najib’s legal cases was already well established, noting that Najib’s conviction had played a significant role in driving political reform and contributing to Barisan Nasional’s defeat in the 2018 general election.
Yeo’s remarks had earlier drawn strong reactions from Umno leaders, including calls for a reassessment of political cooperation. Ti’s response adds another layer to the debate, shifting the focus to questions of internal party discipline, freedom of expression, and whether DAP’s actions align with its democratic ideals.
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