Former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming said Loke was able to make the decision because the party had capable leaders ready to take over.
GEORGE TOWN: Former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming said Anthony Loke’s decision to step down as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman sets a good precedent for political accountability and should serve as an example to other political leaders.
He added that he was saddened that Loke felt he had to relinquish the post after losing the Chennah seat.
He also said Loke had fought a battle in a constituency that few others in the party could have won.
“But it is a good precedent for other political leaders to follow in terms of being accountable for the results of an election,” he told theSun.
Ong said Loke was able to make the decision because the party had capable leaders ready to take over.
“I also think that Anthony knows there are able successors to him in Negeri Sembilan for him to take this step.
“It would be good for the DAP to pass down the reins of leadership from one leader to another in a systematic and organised way.”
He said rebuilding DAP in Negeri Sembilan would require more than a leadership change.
“It will take a whole new team to build up DAP before it could dispel the image of being anti-Malay and being the dominant partner in Pakatan Harapan in Negeri Sembilan.”
When asked if other state party chiefs should follow Loke’s example after poor election results, Ong said each case should be judged according to its own political circumstances.
“Each state chief has to make their own judgement call based on his or her state’s political landscape.”
On Aug 3, Loke announced his resignation as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman after 22 years at the helm, saying he wanted to take responsibility for the party’s performance in the state election.
He said the decision was made voluntarily and without pressure from the party, adding that the time had come to hand over the state leadership to another leader.
However, Loke will remain DAP secretary-general in line with the decision of the party’s Central Executive Committee.
