Loke remains vital to DAP despite stepping down as state chief
GEORGE TOWN: DAP central executive committee (CEC) member Yeoh Soon Hin has described Anthony Loke’s decision to step down as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman as a reflection of his integrity, saying the party secretary-general was “a man of his word” who did not cling to power.
Yeoh, who is also Penang DAP deputy chairman, said Loke had led the Negeri Sembilan chapter through difficult times and had always demonstrated courage as a leader.
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“Under Loke’s leadership, Negeri Sembilan DAP fought a noble fight and gave their utmost. I respect his choice, yet we know he has bravely faced the trials as a true leader.
“I believe he stepped down as the state chairman to groom a new leader as his successor.
“Nevertheless, we need him to continue leading us as the secretarygeneral of the party as we face the even more challenging general election and elections in other states,” he told theSun.
On Monday, Loke announced his resignation as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman, a post he had held for 22 years, saying he wanted to take responsibility for the party’s performance in the recent state election after failing to defend the Chennah seat and the party’s loss of Repah.
He added that the decision was made voluntarily, without pressure from the party, as he felt responsible and accountable for the election outcome.
He also said the time had come to hand over the state leadership to another leader. Loke emphasised that the party’s strength did not depend on one individual, adding that Negeri Sembilan DAP had many experienced leaders capable of taking over the state leadership.
He said his resignation as state chairman would take effect after the Negeri Sembilan DAP committee meets to choose a new state chairman. He will, however, continue serving as the party’s secretarygeneral in line with the decision of the DAP Central Executive Committee.
