No need to bring up issues that will affect people's confidence, says Loke

MUAR: Anthony Loke responded to a statement from an Umno leader, stating that there is no need to bring up issues that will only affect the confidence of the people. The DAP secretary-general emphasized that the focus should be on working hard to gain the support of voters in the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections. Loke further expressed that there is no need to raise such issues and come out with statements that will affect the people’s trust. Instead, the focus should be on gaining voter support.

In addition, Loke clarified that DAP has never requested any party to amend its constitution. He acknowledged that each party has its own principles and ideology, but when forming a unity government, it is essential to agree to work together and maintain certain key parameters. Loke highlighted that upholding and defending the Federal Constitution and its provisions is the most crucial parameter. He specifically mentioned supporting the principles under the constitution, such as the status of Islam as the Federal religion, Bahasa Melayu as the national language, Article 153, and the status of Malay Rulers. Loke believes these principles are significant to the Malays.

Loke made these remarks during a media session after a Pakatan Harapan ceramah at Wisma DAP Muar on Friday (Sept 1) night. He was responding to a statement by Umno supreme council member Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed. Nur Jazlan had stated on Facebook that if DAP wants the support of Malays through cooperation with Umno, it must make significant changes, including dropping the secular nation agenda and the Malaysia Malaysian slogan in its party constitution. Nur Jazlan believes these two agendas traumatize Malays and hinder their acceptance of DAP. He questioned whether DAP is willing to make such sacrifices for political survival.

In response, Loke emphasized that voters are more interested in evaluating the track record and work done by their representatives rather than their party’s ideology. He cited his own constituencies as examples, where he still wins by a high majority, despite having a high percentage of Malay voters. Loke believes this demonstrates that voters prioritize the way representatives work, their approach, and services, over party ideology.

Regarding the impact of Nur Jazlan’s statement on the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections, Loke stated that it has not affected the by-elections. He clarified that DAP is not contesting in these elections, as the candidates are from Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah). Loke dismissed Nur Jazlan’s statement as his personal opinion, emphasizing that individuals have the right to express their opinions.