Nilai assemblyman J. Arul Kumar has been unanimously appointed as the new DAP Negeri Sembilan chairman, effective today.
Arul, who is also DAP national vice-chairman and Negeri Sembilan vice-chairman, succeeds Anthony Loke Siew Fook, who stepped down after leading the party in the state for 22 years since 2004.
His appointment was made after only one candidate was nominated for the state DAP leadership, with the proposal receiving unanimous support from the committee.
Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, said he was confident that Arul and the newly appointed state committee members would lead DAP Negeri Sembilan into a stronger new era.
“I am confident that the new committee under Arul can bring DAP Negeri Sembilan into a more successful era, while continuing our work in every constituency we represent with commitment and doing our best for the people,” he said.
Loke said he would continue supporting the new state leadership in his capacity as DAP secretary-general.
“I will provide my support as DAP secretary-general to the new leadership. I am confident that Arul is capable of carrying this responsibility,” he said after the DAP Negeri Sembilan committee meeting in Seremban today.
The leadership transition marks the end of Loke’s more than two-decade tenure at the helm of the state party, with Arul now taking charge as DAP Negeri Sembilan prepares for its next phase of political work.

