KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2: The voters of Negeri Sembilan have delivered their verdict in the 16th State Election, and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) accepts this outcome with full humility, said DAP National Chairman Gobind Singh Deo in a statement today.
“We thank every voter who supported Pakatan Harapan and DAP. We are also deeply grateful to all our candidates, members, volunteers and party workers who gave their all throughout this campaign. Your commitment and hard work is sincerely appreciated.”
He also acknowledged the defeat of DAP Secretary-General, Anthony Loke, in Chennah after a closely fought contest.
In the state election held on Saturday, Aug 1, Barisan Nasional won 18 seats, Pakatan Harapan (11), and PN 7 seats, following a turnout of 646,084 voters or 72.64 percent from the total number of registered voters encompassing early voters, postal votes and the Saturday polls.
Commending Loke, Gobind said he had served both the party and the people with distinction over many years.
“We are certain he will continue to do so. The DAP has faced setbacks before. The message from the electorate is clear. We must and will undertake a thorough assessment of the outcome, listen carefuly to the concerns of the people and work hard to regain their confidence and support.
“We respect the mandate that has been given by the people and congratulate those who have been elected to form the next Negeri Sembilan state government. We hope they will govern responsibly and always place the interests of the people first.”
In a separate statement today, the Negeri Sembilan DAP Committee said it would continue to support Loke as Negeri Sembilan DAP Chairman. They appealed to him to continue with his service.
His leadership is proven and acknowledged as among the best in the state’s history, the statement posted on Cha Kee Chin said from two seats in 2004, he had helped raise the state party’s rise, he said.
While the loss of the Chennah and Repah is highly disappointing, he said Loke could not be faulted for the failure.
–WE