Loke announces 'major reshuffle', leadership structure reforms

Summary

• DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke announces a significant reshuffle of the party’s central committee, including new party positions.

• The reshuffle includes a rule preventing ministers and deputy ministers from serving as DAP’s parliamentary leader.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has unveiled the much-anticipated “major reshuffle” of the party’s central committee, which he had alluded to two days ago.

The party leader said significant changes to the committee’s structure will be made, including introducing several new party positions within the central committee - strategy director, policy director, and election director.

The reshuffle also includes a stipulation that ministers and deputy ministers may not serve as DAP’s parliamentary leader.

As a result, Loke stated that Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming will no longer be able to hold the DAP parliamentary leader position, which the secretary-general also jokingly “apologised” to Nga for.

“To dispel claims that the DAP is not vocal, I propose creating several new positions within the central committee, which will also be included in the party constitution.

“Ministers and deputy ministers will not be allowed to hold the position of parliamentary leader. Apologies, Nga.

“We will elect a new parliamentary leader who will speak fearlessly on behalf of our party,” Loke told the 18th National DAP Congress today at the Ideal Convention Centre in Shah Alam, the largest one DAP has held thus far.

Apart from that, the party will also include the candidate selection mechanism in its constitution.

“Some have pointed out that this committee is not included in the party constitution. Now, we will officially incorporate it,” Loke added in an indirect response to former central committee member Teng Chang Khim.

However, Loke noted that this proposal still needs to be debated at this year’s DAP congress and will be tabled for approval at next year’s congress.

Women participation

In his speech, Loke also suggested the inclusion of the women’s wing chief as a permanent member of the candidate selection committee.

This is so that female candidates are not overlooked, he explained.

“I want to bring changes and reformation in the party,” he said.

According to DAP’s constitution, at least nine members of the CEC must be women.

Besides that, Loke talked about DAP fielding at least 30 percent of women candidates in the next general election.

“This is not a promise, it is no longer a commitment - it is compulsory to implement in the 16th general election,” he added.

He further reflected on the changes DAP has undergone in 59 years since its establishment.

“DAP plays a different role today. We will celebrate its 59th anniversary next Tuesday, March 18.

“Next year, we will achieve the age of a senior citizen,” he said in jest.

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