Loke explains why DAP only has 4 cabinet posts

 

DAP accepted a disproportionately lower number of cabinet positions because the party chose to compromise on certain matters.

This includes anticipating problems that may arise due to the increasingly polarised political landscape in the country, especially with regard to race and religious issues.

In addition, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke also noted that cabinet appointments are the prerogative of the prime minister.

“Of course (the polarisation) worries us and that is why we made certain decisions. If we are not constantly aware of those issues, I can just make a lot of noise.

“Like why are we only given four minister positions? Because at the back of my mind, we know there is polarisation in society.

“It is dangerous to the fabric of our country and that is why we take certain steps back to ensure this government can function,” Loke said in an interview on the BFM Breakfast Grill this morning.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

In order for a multiracial country such as Malaysia to prosper, he said there can be no other option for a prime minister candidate aside from Anwar Ibrahim right now.

If the Anwar-led administration falls, the only alternative would be Perikatan Nasional, which Loke said is not an option for DAP.

“If today, this government does not work, if this government fails, what is the option? The option is you have a coalition which does not believe in multiculturalism.

“That is not an option for us, as far as DAP is concerned, so we have to make this government work because this government upholds the multiracial fabric of our society and country and the prime minister is committed to it.

“That is why we make the decisions we made,” said Loke, who is also the transport minister.

When asked about the party’s bottom line that they will not cross in any cooperation, Loke said the party is “very well aware” of what they will not compromise on.

However, he said they do not want to put it out in the open as the party wants to focus on the common ground among allies, instead of their differences.

Managing a delicate situation

“These are things we communicate with the prime minister. But some things we manage it differently, bearing in mind that today we are managing a government with 19 parties so we have to give room to the prime minister.”

Loke again stressed that the most important thing is to ensure the current government can work well together.

While DAP may be facing criticism that they are keeping quiet on many issues right now, Loke said it is not a question of being afraid to speak up.

“Speaking up is easy, but how to manage a delicate situation, that is the challenge,” he said.

DAP currently holds 40 parliamentary seats – the most out of all the parties in the government, but they only hold four cabinet positions.

PKR, which has the second most seats at 31, has eight ministers, while BN, which has the third highest number of seats at 26, holds six positions in the cabinet. - Mkini