Loke’s polls defeat puts DAP at crossroads, say analysts

 Lim Guan Eng's faction could be strengthened, forcing DAP into making a decision on its future direction.

Loke Siew Fook (right) and Lim Guan Eng differ on how to go about giving a voice to the non-Malay and Malay communities, says a political analyst. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The defeat suffered by DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook in the Negeri Sembilan election could revive the faction led by Lim Guan Eng and force the party to decide its future direction, say analysts.

James Chin of the University of Tasmania said Loke’s loss of the Chennah seat after three terms would give Lim’s camp an opening to regain influence in the party after Loke succeeded Lim as secretary-general in 2022.

“Loke’s defeat is a big entry point for Guan Eng to come back,” he told FMT.

As secretary-general, Loke has sought to broaden the party’s appeal by projecting a more moderate, coalition-friendly image. Earlier this year, he publicly rebuked Lim for criticising Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, exposing a rift in leadership style between the two. Both men have denied there is a split in the party.

Chin said any contest for control of DAP would ultimately turn on how the party chooses to represent its support base.

“They both want to provide a voice for the non-Malays and non-Muslim communities. Where the factions differ is how they go about doing it,” he said.

He said Loke’s defeat in Chennah could also weaken other DAP leaders such as Penang DAP chief Steven Sim and party deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming.

“If there is a big push (to lead the party), it will come from Guan Eng’s faction,” he said.

To be moderate or assertive?

Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia said DAP was now at a strategic crossroads: the party could either retain Loke’s pragmatic, coalition-based approach, or shift towards a more assertive stance.

However, being more assertive came at the risk of reinforcing Barisan Nasional’s depiction of DAP as an overly dominant or uncompromising force, Sivamurugan said.

International Islamic University Malaysia political scientist Syaza Shukri said the question of who would now define DAP would have direct implications for the party’s Malay support.

Replacing Loke at the next party elections with someone seen as less moderate could push Malay voters further away – “not that they are getting any closer now anyway”, she said.

At the same time, Loke’s moderate image might not satisfy everyone within the party. “Loke being ‘moderate’ might be a problem for DAP supporters and non-Malays. Maybe DAP wants someone who is more ‘extreme’,” she said. - FMT