PH targets 23 seats for ‘safe’ majority in Negeri Sembilan, says Loke

 The DAP secretary-general says Pakatan Harapan seeks a stronger mandate after the political crisis faced by the previous state government.

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said the number ‘8123’ refers to PH’s target of 23 seats in the Negeri Sembilan state election on Aug 1.

SEREMBAN:

Pakatan Harapan is aiming to win 23 of Negeri Sembilan’s 36 seats to secure a “safe” majority and ensure political stability for the next five years, says DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook.

At a DAP fundraising dinner here tonight, Loke said PH’s current tally of 17 seats was insufficient, while 19 seats would provide only a simple majority.

He pointed to the number “8123” in the backdrop, saying it referred to PH’s target of 23 seats in the Aug 1 state election.

“We now have 17 seats. That is not enough for a majority. Eighteen seats would make a tie. Nineteen is a simple majority. To be on the safe side, we need 23 seats,” he said.

Loke said PH was seeking a stronger mandate following the political crisis involving the previous state government.

“We did not want this election, but look at what they did. Fourteen Umno assemblymen withdrew their support (for the menteri besar) and joined forces with five PN assemblymen to attempt to form a backdoor government,” he said.

The royal and political crises in Negeri Sembilan, sparked on April 19 after the state’s four undangs (chieftains) claimed that Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir had been removed as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, saw all 14 Umno assemblymen withdraw support for Aminuddin Harun, citing his handling of the royal dispute.

Loke defended Aminuddin’s administration, saying the PH chairman had served the state well.

“He has done nothing wrong. He is friendly, not arrogant, and easy to talk to. He is not corrupt. He does not have millions in his bank account,” he said.

Loke backs PM’s call for clean campaign

Loke, who is also the transport minister, backed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s reminder to ministers and deputy ministers in the unity government not to attack one another while campaigning in state elections.

Earlier today, Anwar warned federal officeholders to focus on state issues and avoid turning election campaigns into platforms to attack their counterparts.

He said those who failed to observe the directive should step down from their government posts.

Loke said he agreed with Anwar, and emphasised that there was still cooperation among the parties in the unity government.

“We need to campaign based on what we have to offer and explain our own position. I think this is something that everyone, especially Cabinet members, needs to respect.

“Coincidentally, two Cabinet members are also candidates in Negeri Sembilan – myself and Mohamad Hasan. I have taken the position that I will not attack any leader, especially Cabinet ministers,” he said.

Loke said he was deliberately staying away from Rantau, where Mohamad, the foreign minister and Barisan Nasional deputy chairman, was defending his seat, to preserve harmony within the unity government.

He said he would instead focus on defending Chennah, which he described as a difficult contest. “I can’t go to every single seat. That is beyond my capability. I am fighting a tough battle in Chennah,” he said.

Loke will face MCA’s Siow Kong Choon in a straight fight for Chennah. He has represented Chennah since 2013 and is seeking a fourth consecutive term as its assemblyman. - FMT