Nation

Loke hints Selangor DAP leaders may contest parliamentary seats in other states

SHAH ALAM: Anthony Loke today hinted that Selangor DAP leaders who show potential to become members of Parliament may be 'exported' to contest parliamentary seats in other states.

This comes after the DAP secretary-general said that the party has more than 10 potential talents in Selangor, but DAP currently holds only four parliamentary seats in the state.

Loke, who is also Transports Minister, added that it is also impossible for the party to replace the current 'talented and experienced' four MPs in Selangor namely Gobind Singh Deo (Damansara), Yeo Bee Yin (Puchong), Syahredzan Johan and V. Ganabatirau (Klang).

"Our talents are more than the seats that we have. There are so many good candidates that we think can become good (parliamentary seat) candidates, but the number of seats is limited.

"We only have four (parliamentary seats in Selangor). I can tell you that, in Selangor, we have more than 10 people who can easily be a parliamentary candidate.

"So you won't be surprised if let's say there will be some Selangor leaders who are active in Selangor but have to contest somewhere else," he told reporters after attending the Selangor DAP convention.

Loke added that the party is also training more young talents to prepare for the next generational shift.

As it is, he said, the first-generation DAP leaders have already passed the baton to the younger generation including in Penang, Pahang, Sabah and Johor.

"If you look at the average age of our state leadership, it's in the 40s. Gobind is still in his early 50s. I am only 47, and (DAP vice-chairman) Nga (Kor Ming) is only 50.

"This generation right now is the core of the leadership, both at the national and state levels.

"We must prepare the younger talents. In DAP, we are not pushing anyone, but there is a natural process.

"Some, definitely, after they reach a certain age, will choose to retire and pass the baton to the younger leaders. The good thing about us right now is that we are seeing a lot of young blood in the party, especially here in Selangor," he said.

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