‘Negeri Sembilan crisis is not DAP’s fault’, says Anthony Loke

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook said it was unfair to continue blaming the party for the crisis when it was no longer part of the state government. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Sunday, 11 Oct 2026 2:41 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 — DAP has stressed that it is not responsible for the ongoing political crisis in Negeri Sembilan.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook said it was unfair to continue blaming the party for the crisis when it was no longer part of the state government, according to a report by Sinar Harian today.

“What is happening today is certainly not caused by us. During the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign, they tried to link DAP to the crisis, claiming that we were responsible for what was happening in the state.

“Today, we are already outside the government. So they can no longer blame us or use DAP as an excuse,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the 24th DAP Negeri Sembilan annual convention here on Sunday.

The Seremban MP also said the turmoil in the state appeared to have no end in sight as it involved various factors, including the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

He said the situation was compounded by Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim’s refusal to submit a new list of state executive councillors, as instructed by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

“There is actually no reason why they (Barisan Nasional) cannot continue governing as usual, because Tuanku Muhriz has asked the menteri besar to submit the names of the new state executive councillors.

“So there is actually no problem. They can choose other people, but the next move is up to them,” he said.

However, Anthony said it was unusual for a state government to have only a menteri besar without a team of executive councillors.

He added that the situation would inevitably disrupt the smooth running of the state administration, as many decisions and administrative matters required approval from the State Executive Council.

“As far as BN’s political manoeuvring is concerned, that is up to them. They have a majority in the state legislative assembly.

“But we have never been involved in any effort of that kind, such as a vote of no confidence against the menteri besar. As I have said, we are focused on our work, and most importantly, I have reminded our elected representatives to stay focused on their duties,” he said when asked about the possibility of BN moving a vote of no confidence against Ismail.

Asked whether the crisis could drag on for a longer period, Anthony said he was unsure but that DAP was prepared for any eventuality.