GEORGE TOWN: There is no immediate need for Loke Siew Fook to step down as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman following the party’s defeat in the state election, says Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow, who is a DAP central executive committee member, said Loke should first focus on rallying party members following tonight’s setback.
“There is no need to consider (resigning) immediately. Let things settle down for a few days before making any decision,” he told reporters after the opening of the George Town Festival.
Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, had said he would consider stepping down as the party’s Negeri Sembilan chairman after losing his Chennah seat.
Chow said Chennah had been a difficult constituency to defend as it was a mixed seat.
Another factor was Barisan Nasional’s decision to forge a pact with Perikatan Nasional, which led to PN supporters backing BN’s candidate, he said.
Chow also said the campaign had taken on a racial and religious tone, making the contest even more challenging for Loke.
Loke lost Chennah to MCA’s Siow Kong Choon by 450 votes, according to unofficial results. Siow received 4,608 votes, or 52.57%, while Loke polled 4,158 votes.
