DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has acknowledged that the party faces a major challenge in breaking through racial political barriers and winning stronger support from Malay voters.
He said the challenge was reflected in the recent Negeri Sembilan state election, where he personally failed to retain the Chennah state seat that he had contested.
Loke apologised to party delegates over the defeat, saying his main objective in contesting the seat was to demonstrate that DAP could gain support from voters across different communities.
“I acknowledge that this vision was not achieved. We did not receive strong support from Malay voters or the Orang Asli community,” he said.
Speaking during his policy speech at the DAP National Conference 2026 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on Sunday, Loke described the issue as a major challenge that the party must overcome if it wants to expand its political reach.
He said DAP should not allow defeats in recent state elections to prevent the party from moving forward or pursuing its long-term political goals.
According to Loke, the party has experienced victories and defeats throughout its six decades in politics, including numerous setbacks during its early years.
He urged DAP delegates and party activists to treat those experiences as lessons and remain committed despite electoral disappointments.
“As long as we do not give up, DAP’s future will be accepted by the majority of Malaysians,” he said.
Loke stressed that DAP must continue working towards its ambition of becoming a truly multiracial party that can gain the confidence and support of Malaysians from all backgrounds.
He said perseverance would remain crucial as the party seeks to overcome longstanding perceptions and broaden its support base across the country.
