State polls: DAP leaders contesting as Independents automatically sacked from party, says Loke

PETALING JAYA: Any DAP leader who contests as an Independent in the Aug 12 state polls will lose their party membership immediately, says Anthony Loke (pic).

The party’s secretary-general said this was stated in the DAP constitution.

“Any DAP member who contests against the party as an Independent will have their membership automatically revoked,” he said.

ALSO READ: State polls: Ramasamy says still with DAP, but disagrees with Penang candidate selection

Loke noted that former Penang councillor David Marshel had resigned and announced his intention to contest in the state polls.

“Once he has resigned, of course it is his right as a citizen to contest in any election,” said Loke.

Marshel will most likely contest in Prai, where DAP is expected to field former EcoWorld Development group deputy CEO Datuk Seri S Sundarajoo.

Meanwhile, Loke said party leaders, no matter how senior, must be prepared to take a step back when the time comes.

Loke also said DAP has never changed its principles and present party leaders are working hard towards realising its vision for Malaysia.

“Everyone in the party is working hard towards that objective and as I’ve said, leaders must be prepared to give way when the time comes.

ALSO READ: DAP’s Marshel plans to contest as an Independent

“There is no single leader who can play any role (in the party) forever,” he said on Friday (July 28) after witnessing the signing of an MoU between MRT Corp and Hong Kong’s MTR Corp.

“The party is here to stay, leaders come and go. But the party will continue pursuing its political objectives and goals for a better Malaysia,” he added.

Loke was asked to respond to Penang DAP deputy chairman P Ramasamy, who questioned whether or not the party was still the same one he had joined in 2005.

Loke said Ramasamy was free to express his opinions, but noted that parties will progress with the times.

Loke also said the polls are about the future of the state and not any individual.

“When there are changes in candidates, there will definitely be some reactions and that is expected in any election.

“I don’t want to (respond) too much to those negative reactions. They are free to say what they want, we have made a decision and we will stick with that decision.

ALSO READ: State polls: Incumbent Bagan Dalam rep quits DAP, to defend seat as Independent

“We have to convince the people of Penang that DAP and Pakatan Harapan, as well as our partners in the unity government, are here to present a vision for the state and we will definitely deliver it for the betterment of the people of Penang,” he said.

Among DAP incumbents who did not make it to the candidates’ list were Ramasamy, Chong Eng, Phee Boon Poh, M Satees, Yeoh Soon Hin, Soon Lip Chee and Chris Lee.

On July 25, DAP officially announced the names of 19 candidates, including seven new faces, who will be fielded in the Penang state polls on Aug 12.