PETALING JAYA: DAP will be more mindful and alert in handling sensitive issues and matters concerning the Chinese community if given a chance to be the government again, says DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

“We wish to stress that we definitely understand that the DAP is mainly supported by the Chinese community. For sure we need to be better in our performance,” he said.

Loke also reiterated that DAP does not diminish its Chinese element in the party.

Minister for all Malaysians

In an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily, Loke said DAP is a multiracial political party.

However, DAP is aware that its support mainly comes from the Chinese community.

“We are a multiracial party. But we also understand that we are supported by the Chinese community. Without the support, we would not have come this far.

“Our leaders are mainly elected in Chinese-majority constituencies.

“When I was elected as the state assemblyman for the first time, the state seat I was contesting was made up of 80% Chinese,” he said.

“Hence, we would never forget the support extended to us by the Chinese community,” he said.

Nevertheless, he also said DAP has to move on to be in the mainstream politically, especially in the federal government. It should be led by a Malaysian leader.

“To move on to the mainstream, especially in the federal government, there is no such thing as diluting the Chinese element in the party.

“It must be led by a leader perceived as a Malaysian. When we are the ministers, we are not only ministers representing the Chinese. We are ministers for all Malaysians.”

Citing an example, Loke said when he was the transport minister, he could not be a minister for the Chinese but a minister for all.

“Similarly, in a ministry, whether it is the finance ministry, communication or education Ministry, one can’t run the country from the perspectives of a single ethnic group. This does not work in Malaysia.

“We are aware of the Chinese voters’ expectations and their views on policies and some issues as well as their wishes. We understand all these,” he said.

Loke said based on his experience as transport minister, he could understand the requests made by Chinese operators in the transport sector, including a more simplified and user-friendly procedure in car inspection, license application and a more efficient ministry.

“We can deliver all these not for the Chinese community only but for all people and a better system,” he said.

“All these are the expectations of Chinese voters and we understand them. We are definitely not removing the Chinese element in the party,” he said.

Loke stressed that one needs to be a leader accepted by all Malaysians in the federal government.

“You can’t be a DAP minister and only talk about issues related to the Chinese, ignore issues of other ethic groups. This does not work,” he said.

Ministers and deputy ministers need to let all people understand the direction of the policies. But this may lead to Chinese voters feel that DAP has forgotten the support extended by the Chinese community to the party.

Malaysians’ Malaysia

On how he planned to consolidate the Chinese- and English-speaking factions in DAP after taking over as secretary-general, Loke said such a label is unhealthy as DAP’s ideology has been Malaysians’ Malaysia.

“We are of different ethnic groups, religious and racial backgrounds. These are our roots that we are unable to change.

“But we must also have other cultures in our mind. A mindset of a diversified culture which is also the concept of Malaysia,” he said.

Loke said DAP should be a diversified party and the concept of diversity should be in its mindset too.

Loke stressed that the DAP had never intended to forget its roots.

“Our roots remain. We are Chinese with our own culture and background. We are unable to change all these and we take note of them.

“The Chinese emphasise roots. For sure we want to keep our roots. DAP has never wanted to forget about its roots. The roots are important to us.

“Based on the situation in Malaysia, we should be embarking on diversity. We should be diverse in our thoughts. Such mindset matches DAP’s mission and vision.

“DAP leaders should be moving out of their comfort zone, not focusing on their personal views only but understanding other people’s feelings. They should learn from other religions and ethnic groups, understand and respect them in shaping a more inclusive and diversified DAP,” he said.