KUALA LUMPUR: DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke never once thought of joining MCA when he first ventured into politics, despite it being a powerhouse with many parliamentary seats.
Loke, who is transport minister, said he instead joined DAP because of the party's reputation of being fair and always standing up for the oppressed.
When asked on the "Keluar Sekejap" podcast by the host, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, and co-host Shahril Hamdan on why he didn't choose to join Barisan Nasional, Loke said it was because he did not like MCA.
"It's not that I don't like BN, but I don't like MCA. It has the image of not prioritising the needs of the people, especially the Chinese community. It has that perception," he said.
"It brings the perception that it's a 'taukeh' party, a party for the rich and those who have a high standing in the community. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, but that is the perception.
"In my life, I never thought of joining MCA, even when DAP only paid me RM2,000 working at the headquarters, and I didn't have enough food to eat. Even when MCA was at the top at that time, with many parliamentary seats and ministers."
Recalling the reason he first joined DAP, Loke said it might have stemmed from the many DAP branches he saw in his housing area.
He said when he was 17, he immediately joined to be a member of DAP.
"I joined DAP when it was at its lowest, with very few parliamentary seats and little strength.
"What drew me to DAP is the image brought by Lim Kit Siang, of fighting for justice and fairness, of fighting for the oppressed.
"If there is anyone being oppressed, DAP will always be at the forefront, so you are standing with those who are being bullied. That's the perception and ideology that drew me to DAP."
He said the rocket logo has been synonymous with his childhood, adding that he had always defended DAP among his friends at school.