Loke Met Guan Eng In Bid To Convince Him Not To Seek Re Election Sources

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With the DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) election just nine days away, secretary-general Anthony Loke is said to have met national chairperson Lim Guan Eng in an attempt to dissuade him from seeking re-election, aiming to ease tensions within the party.
Several sources familiar with the matter told Malaysiakini that Loke (above, second from right) met Guan Eng last week, attempting to persuade him not to contest the party chairpersonship while still retaining his position as a CEC member.
However, according to insiders, Guan Eng remained firm in his stance, telling Loke that he would run for re-election even if it meant facing defeat in the party polls.
"They had a calm and amicable discussion last week," one source said.
Word of this development has already spread within the party.
Although last week's negotiations did not yield the desired result, it is understood that Loke has not given up and will make a final effort to convince Guan Eng before the leadership election on March 16.
Attempts by Malaysiakini to seek confirmation from Loke and Guan Eng went unanswered.
Last CEC meeting
The current DAP CEC held its final meeting on Wednesday night. According to one attendee, the meeting was conducted in a cordial atmosphere.
The present DAP Central Executive Committee in a meeting on Wednesday nightThe party’s 18th National Congress and CEC election will be held at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam on March 16 at 10am.
DAP’s CEC election follows a two-tier process. Delegates first elect 30 members into the CEC, of which at least nine must be women, as required by the party’s constitution.
After the first round, the 30 newly elected CEC members convene and internally vote for the office-bearers, including the secretary-general—the highest post in DAP, comparable to the president’s role in other parties.
Therefore, any leader aspiring to a top position must ensure both themselves and their allies secure enough votes in the first round to stand a chance in the final election.
Heavyweights in Penang this weekend
Ahead of the national congress and leadership election next week, the DAP National Veterans Club will hold its 6th Congress and leadership election on March 9 (Sunday) at 10am in Penang.
Several senior party leaders are expected to attend. According to an announcement by the club chairperson Lay Hock Peng late last month, Loke will officiate the event.
Other attendees include party veteran Lim Kit Siang, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Guan Eng, and Penang DAP chief Steven Sim.
On Feb 15, an incident happened after a tribute dinner for Kit Siang in Penang, when Tan Khong Chong, an associate of Guan Eng, openly berated Sim with Hokkien vulgarities, calling him a "traitor".
Tan has since apologised, while Sim has stated that he will not pursue the matter further. - Mkini

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