Loke’s resignation too late to reverse discontent with DAP, say analysts

PETALING JAYA:

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook’s resignation as transport minister could help restore the confidence of DAP’s core supporters, some of whom have questioned the party’s position in the unity government, political analysts say.

However, they said the move might not be enough to fully restore support for DAP, particularly ahead of the Melaka polls this Saturday, following its lacklustre performance in several recent state elections.

Tawfik Yaakub and Liew Wui Chern agreed that while Loke’s resignation sent the right political signal, it came too late to undo the growing dissatisfaction among DAP’s supporters.

“There is no denying that, besides easing concerns, Loke’s move could restore the confidence of core supporters who have long viewed DAP as a mere ‘follower’ in the government,” Tawfik, of Universiti Malaya, told FMT.

“It is rather late, given DAP’s declining performance following the Sabah, Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.

“However, I believe it is better late than never for Loke and DAP to take such decisive action.”

Liew, of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, said Loke’s resignation was justified on political grounds but unlikely to erase the dissatisfaction with DAP that had built up over time.

He said the dissatisfaction was not limited to the issue of Najib Razak’s house arrest, but also involved reforms, the government’s performance and the party’s cooperation with Umno.

“A resignation may help ease the situation, but it may not be enough to fully restore supporters’ confidence,” he said.

Loke confirmed his resignation as transport minister on Tuesday following a fresh High Court order allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence in the SRC International case under house arrest.

Tawfik said the move could ease political pressure on Loke, particularly following his defeat in the contest for the Chennah state seat in the Negeri Sembilan polls.

He said if Loke had remained in the Cabinet, both he and DAP would have risked facing stronger political attacks for appearing to go back on their pledge to resign.

However, Lau Zhe Wei of International Islamic University Malaysia was sceptical about the impact of Loke’s resignation, noting that only one DAP leader had stepped down from the Cabinet. He also noted that the move was delayed until Najib began serving his sentence under house arrest.

He said the move might have little impact on voters’ perceptions, especially given the shifting support patterns in several recent state elections.

“The Sabah state election has shown that as long as there is an alternative, they are willing to switch,” he said, referring to the tendency among some Chinese voters to shift their support away from Pakatan Harapan.

Loke announced his intention to resign following the decision to grant Najib a conditional pardon, but agreed to remain in office temporarily at the request of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The Seremban MP reiterated last Friday that his resignation would take effect once Najib began serving his sentence under house arrest.

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