'Irresponsible to oppose party due to discontent' - Loke

PUTRAJAYA - The actions of some DAP members who have gone against the party just because they were not on the list of candidates to contest in the state polls have been labelled as irresponsible.

The party's Secretary General, Anthony Loke Siew Fook said, each name chosen went through the processes set by the candidate selection committee

According to him, it has become a norm that when there are candidates who are dropped from running, they raise issues and accuse the party of being unfair.

"In a situation where there is a change of candidates, of course there will be individuals who are not satisfied and make allegations etcetera. Why didn't he say there was an emperor when he was a candidate before?

"My answer is easy, this is normal in politics. In politics, we cannot look at one or two people.

"If he is not satisfied, he wants to oppose the party. I think this is an irresponsible act, If not nominated, he wants to oppose the party. This is not fair," he told Sinar in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

On Wednesday, former Bagan Dalam State Assembly Member M Satees claimed that the list of DAP candidates to contest in the Penang state polls on August 12 was determined by only one 'emperor'.

Satees, who was dropped by DAP from defending the seat, further claimed that the 'individual' involved used his power to make his own decisions.

Earlier, former Batu Kawan DAP Branch Chief, David Marshel announced his intention to contest as an independent candidate for the Prai State Legislative Assembly seat after announcing his exit from the party on Wednesday.

Commenting on the development of DAP members who said they would be leaving party after not being nominated, Anthony said the matter will be made known on the nomination day this Saturday.

According to him, if there are members running as Independent candidates, their membership will automatically be terminated and they cannot return to the party based on the constitution.

"I don't like fighting with any party, thif ey think they are great enough to be independent candidates, I can't stop them.

It is his or her legal right as a Malaysian to contest in the election.

"Within the party, including myself,we need to have the spirit that no individual is bigger than the party. If I act alone, compete independently, I wil also be dropped" he stated.