DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook’s defeat in the Negeri Sembilan election could revive the faction aligned with former party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and trigger a fresh debate over the party’s future direction, according to political analysts.
James Chin of the University of Tasmania said Loke’s loss in the Chennah state seat, which he had held for three consecutive terms, could provide Lim’s camp with an opportunity to regain influence within the party after Loke succeeded him as secretary-general in 2022.
‘Loke’s defeat is a big entry point for Guan Eng to come back,’ Chin told FMT.
Since taking over the party leadership, Loke has sought to broaden DAP’s appeal by projecting a more moderate image and strengthening cooperation within the ruling coalition. Earlier this year, he publicly criticised Lim over remarks directed at Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, highlighting differences in leadership style. Both leaders, however, have denied there is any split within the party.
Leadership contest may hinge on party strategy
Chin said any future contest for DAP’s leadership would ultimately depend on how the party chooses to represent its core 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 also suggested that Loke’s defeat could weaken the standing of several other senior DAP leaders, including 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 added.
Moderation or a more assertive approach?
Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Sivamurugan Pandian said DAP now faces a strategic decision over whether to continue Loke’s pragmatic, coalition-oriented approach or adopt a more assertive political stance.
He cautioned that a more confrontational approach could reinforce Barisan Nasional’s long-standing portrayal of DAP as an overly dominant or uncompromising political force.
Meanwhile, International Islamic University Malaysia political scientist Syaza Shukri said the question of who shapes DAP’s future leadership could have a direct impact on the party’s support among Malay voters.
She said replacing Loke at the next party elections with someone viewed as less moderate could further weaken the party’s appeal to Malay voters.
At the same time, she noted that Loke’s moderate leadership style might not satisfy all sections of 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.
