DAP will continue to uphold its identity as a multiracial party and reject perceptions that it is solely a Chinese-based political party, says its secretary-general Anthony Loke.
Speaking on The Tiger Show Podcast, which aired on Thursday, Loke said the party could not afford to turn back by focusing only on support from one ethnic group, despite the persistent perception that DAP is a Chinese party.
“As DAP leaders, we must remain committed to our goal of building a party that truly represents all races,” he said.
Loke noted that DAP is now represented by Malay Members of Parliament, including Syahredzan Johan (Bangi) and Young Syefura Othman (Bentong), reflecting the party’s increasingly diverse composition.
He added that DAP also has Indian and Bumiputera MPs from Sabah and Sarawak, reinforcing its position as a multiracial political party.
“If we only focus on the Chinese community, what about our Malay MPs? We have to maintain a cross-racial approach,” he said.
The Seremban MP said demographic changes in many constituencies represented by DAP have also transformed the party’s political landscape, with voter compositions becoming increasingly multiracial.
He pointed to the Chennah state seat, where he is contesting, saying it was once a Chinese-majority constituency but now has 47% Malay voters, outnumbering Chinese voters.
“In the Seremban parliamentary constituency, more than half of the voters are Malays.
“So although it is challenging, DAP cannot turn back. We must continue moving forward,” he said.
Loke, who is also the Transport Minister, said government policies and public services should benefit all Malaysians regardless of race.
He cited initiatives such as the online vehicle registration number bidding system (e-bidding), which serves all vehicle owners, as well as efforts to improve public transport for the benefit of everyone.
“We want to promote a style of politics that is no longer centred on race and instead build a more progressive political culture. However, the reality is that racial issues are still widely used as a political weapon in Malaysia,” he said.
Loke acknowledged that changing public perception of DAP would take time, adding that misinformation and false narratives have contributed to misunderstandings about the party.
“I hope we can earn the people’s trust through our sincerity and commitment at the grassroots level.
“What we do every day, including helping people regardless of the time or circumstances, will hopefully convince voters to place their confidence in us,” he said.
