DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has made it clear that the party can function and grow without depending on MCA, dismissing suggestions that DAP seeks support or cooperation from the Barisan Nasional component party.
Speaking at a Perak DAP fundraising dinner at the Ipoh Convention Centre, Loke stressed that DAP has never expressed interest in working with MCA, despite the latter repeatedly distancing itself from DAP.
“Firstly, we never said we wanted to work with them. So don’t flatter yourselves into thinking DAP is seeking cooperation with MCA,” Loke said.
He was responding to MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong, who recently said MCA found it difficult to work with DAP, even though both are part of the same unity government.
Loke underlined that DAP’s cooperation is framed within Barisan Nasional (BN) as a whole, not with MCA specifically.
“We work with BN. So, it is up to BN to decide how to manage its internal relations, particularly in the context of upcoming elections.”
He added that if any component party is dissatisfied, the matter should be resolved internally within BN.
“To my knowledge, BN leadership, especially UMNO, sits in Cabinet and has consistently affirmed strong commitment to strengthening the unity government.”
At the same time, he criticised MCA leaders for frequently making contradictory statements.
“Perhaps they feel they are not part of the government, I don’t know. That is their prerogative,” he remarked.
Loke stressed that DAP’s main priority is to focus on nation-building and economic growth rather than endless politicking.
“Our priority is not politics, but building the nation and ensuring good governance. Every DAP leader, especially elected representatives, must remain committed to serving their constituents and implementing government policies that benefit the people.”
He pointed to ministries helmed by DAP leaders, such as the Housing and Local Government Ministry, the Digital Ministry, and the Human Resources Ministry, where ministers are focused on delivering results.
“We don’t talk about elections every day. If politicians only think about themselves or their parties instead of the people, the public will take notice,” Loke added.
“Let me repeat, we never expressed any desire to work with MCA. So don’t flatter yourselves into thinking we cannot survive without you,” he concluded.
