Bruised by Johor defeat, DAP marches towards N Sembilan frontline with lessons learned

 

After its dismal performance in the Johor state election, DAP has pledged to learn from the bitter setback as it heads into another electoral battle in neighbouring Negeri Sembilan, where it holds 11 seats, including the constituency of its secretary-general Anthony Loke.

In a statement this afternoon, the party’s central executive committee (CEC) acknowledged that a political party cannot judge itself, as this is in the hands of voters.

“DAP will listen more closely, strengthen constituency services and improve how we communicate and govern. We carry the lessons from Johor into Negeri Sembilan with humility, discipline and the determination to work harder.

“Johor has delivered its message. We will learn from it. In Negeri Sembilan, we will continue to fight positively to secure a fresh mandate and continue a stable, moderate administration that serves all,” the CEC said.

Emphasising that every vote received represents trust while every vote lost serves as a sign and a signal, the CEC said it had identified policy, political, organisational and communication issues that require further attention.

Anthony Loke

For Negeri Sembilan, which will go to the polls on Aug 1, the CEC said it would defend its seats with eight incumbents and three new faces.

“We enter this election as part of the incumbent state government, with a record of administration, experience and a team ready to receive the mandate to govern once again.

“Our campaign in Negeri Sembilan will be positive and forward-looking. We will highlight the state government’s achievements, development plans, solutions to the people’s concerns and candidates capable of serving.

“We want voters to make their choice based on track records, policies and the future of Negeri Sembilan, not divisive politics,” it added.

Loke, who is also the Negeri Sembilan DAP chairperson, will defend his Chennah constituency, which he has held since 2013.

Silver lining

Yesterday, Malaysiakini’s analysis of voting trends from the 15th general election found that in a straight fight, BN could unseat Loke if PAS throws its support behind the coalition.

The 36-seat state legislative assembly comprises BN (14 seats), DAP (11), PKR (five), PAS (three), Bersatu (two) and Amanah (one).

Reflecting on the Johor election, the CEC said the outcome was not what the party had hoped for, as its representation was reduced from 10 seats to six, but it also saw a silver lining in the number of votes it received.

“The support we received was not broad or balanced enough to retain four decisive seats. We accept the responsibility to understand, address and improve from this.

“After a prolonged period of multi-cornered contests, support for our challengers consolidated behind a smaller number of candidates. In this far more challenging landscape, DAP retained six of its 10 incumbent seats.

“Across those 10 seats, DAP candidates received 226,592 votes, compared with 159,769 votes in 2022. The increase in total votes does not negate the loss of four seats. However, it shows that DAP still has a strong support base to defend, expand and translate into victories,” it added. - Mkini