Loke deems Pua 'important asset' to DAP despite snub from delegates

 

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has deemed Damansara MP Tony Pua a ‘very important asset’ to the party, after the latter lost the party’s central executive committee (CEC) elections on Sunday.

Taking to Facebook earlier today, Loke said that Pua is an important asset to the party after contributing 15 years and among other things had worked tirelessly to educate Malaysians about the 1MDB scandal before it was widely understood.

Pua’s work in regards to 1MDB, said Loke, contributed in some measure to Pakatan Harapan’s success in the 14th general election.

“His services and contributions are still much needed. I hope he will continue to help the party and I to face all the challenges ahead of us, especially the 15th general election!” said Loke.

In the same statement, Loke acknowledged that Pua had lost in the party elections, despite his years of service to the party’s struggle.

“However, this is asam garam (the bittersweet reality) of politics. Our efforts are not always rewarded or appreciated. The decision of the delegates should be accepted with an open heart, as stated in Pua’s statement yesterday,” Loke said.

Tony Pua

Pua had lamented in a statement on March 20, that ‘all good things must come to an end’ - with this being his first time failing to be elected in the CEC elections since he first participated in 2008.

Delegated snubbed him

Additionally, Pua - who was the DAP national publicity secretary for many years - had informed Loke that he did not wish to be co-opted into the CEC as he felt that party delegates had intentionally snubbed him in the party elections.

Pua said that other candidates who failed to make the cut, did not secure sufficient votes from the delegates.

“In my case, it is clear cut that the party delegates have specifically chosen to reject me, given my existing position in the party.

“Therefore, it would fly in the face of the delegates’ decision, should I find my way back to the CEC via the co-option exercise,” said Pua on Facebook.

Pua was among five others who lost in this election including Chong Eng, Ngeh Koo Ham, Zairil Khir Johari and V Sivakumar.

The DAP electoral system follows a two-tier system where members elected their top 30 candidates to the CEC instead of specific positions.

The elected top 30 then later decide among themselves to fill the respective positions in the party. Their term will last until 2025.

Five unelected members were co-opted into the leadership.

- Mkini