Anthony Loke Resigns as Negeri Sembilan DAP Chairman; Party to Vote on Remaining in Federal Government

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke announced his resignation on Monday as Negeri Sembilan DAP Chairman following the outcome of the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election, in which he failed to retain his Chennah state seat.

Loke, who also serves as Federal Transport Minister, stated that he decided to step down out of personal accountability after leading the state chapter for 22 years. He noted that the decision was entirely his own and made without pressure from any party.

Speaking at a press conference at DAP headquarters following a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, Loke explained that he would convene a Negeri Sembilan DAP committee meeting soon to select a new state chairman from among the existing committee members.

Despite relinquishing his state leadership role, Loke confirmed that he will continue to serve as DAP Secretary-General after receiving unanimous backing from the CEC to lead the party into upcoming national challenges.

The announcement follows the August 1 state election, in which a new state government was formed through a coalition between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional, which secured 18 and seven seats respectively, while Pakatan Harapan won 11 seats. Loke lost the Chennah seat—which he had held for three terms—to Barisan Nasional’s Siow Kong Choon by a 688-vote margin.

Delegates to Vote on Government Status at August 16 Convention

At the same press conference, Loke revealed that the CEC has decided to table a motion at DAP’s National Convention on August 16 to let delegates vote on whether the party should remain in the federal government until the end of the current Parliamentary term.

Loke emphasized that the CEC will not adopt an official party stance or attempt to steer the voting process, allowing over 4,000 eligible delegates full independence to decide via secret ballot.

He stated that while individual CEC members hold varying views, those remain personal opinions. Under the party’s democratic framework, a decision of such magnitude must be made collectively by grassroots delegates rather than dictated by top party leadership.

–NMT