KUALA LUMPUR: DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has denied allegations of interfering in the Penang DAP election on Sept 22, asserting that his role was limited to offering guidance to party members.
"As secretary-general, it is necessary to provide some direction to party members in hopes of achieving the desired outcome.
"But what is interference? Did I force anyone to support this? No, I merely expressed my views and hopes," Loke said to Malaysiakini.
Loke confirmed that he had given an exclusive interview to the news outlet Kwong Wah Yit Poh on Sept 12 to present the "Sim-Lim formula".
The "formula" refers to the idea that Bukit Mertajam member of Parliament Steven Sim Chee Kiong should be Penang DAP chairman, while Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying should remain as Penang DAP secretary.
"The interview took place in the morning and was published in the evening.
"Sometimes, when you need to speak out, you should," Loke said, although he said that the decision was not imposed.
"After presenting the formula, there's nothing I can do if party members choose not to support it," he said.
Loke dismissed claims that Sim's election indicated a defeat for the faction led by Lim Guan Eng.
"I don't agree with such speculation. Guan Eng's influence and support within Penang DAP remain undeniable," he said.
He also refuted allegations that Sim was building his own faction.
"Every leader must have their own capacity to lead.
"Being a state party leader does not mean opposing anyone. There's no basis for such speculation," he said.
Loke highlighted Sim's potential to lead Penang DAP in the next state election.
"For now, we give him the chance and platform to prove whether he can lead in the upcoming polls and potentially become the party's chief minister candidate," he said.
However, Loke clarified that the state chairman is not automatically the chief minister candidate.
"This hasn't been decided yet," he said.
He said that Lim has shown respect for his role, saying, "He calls me SG (secretary-general) now; that's his way of showing respect for my office".
Loke added, "So far, we've had no major issues and have worked well together within our different responsibilities".