Loke Sets Exit Timeline Eyes Bold Reforms For Dap

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INTERVIEW | Entering his second term as DAP secretary-general, Anthony Loke aims to spearhead bold institutional reforms within the party and has already drawn up a personal "retirement timeline", planning to step down completely after serving three terms.
Loke said that while politics is full of uncertainties, his intention remains unchanged: to retire after three terms as secretary-general, without seeking other leadership roles in the party, such as national chairperson or Central Executive Committee (CEC) member.
Speaking to Malaysiakini recently, he explained that the DAP constitution limits the secretary-general to three terms, and he expressed a desire to determine his own exit.
"My view is that political leaders, especially those in top positions within the party or government, should decide for themselves when it’s time to step down, rather than leaving it to others.
"I want to retire at my peak - not wait until people no longer want me. That’s not how I intend to go. I want to decide my own path and political journey," said the transport minister in a Chinese-language podcast.
The podcast was recorded on April 8, and the second part of the episode was released on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts today.
Loke said he agreed with the exit strategy adopted by former DAP CEC member Teng Chang Khim.
"He (Teng) made the decision himself - to retire completely and hold no further positions. I’m prepared to do the same."
Loke said that he holds both a cabinet ministerial post and the DAP secretary-generalship, which he described as the peak of both his personal and political career - allowing him to pursue reforms and realise his political aspirations.
"But I’m also aware that political life doesn’t always go smoothly. Some will appreciate you, others won’t agree with you.
"For me, I should retire at the peak," said Loke, who is 48 this year, and will be 51 when he completes his second term.
Retire before 55
First elected as DAP secretary-general in 2022, a third term would see Loke serve until 2031, stepping down at the age of 54.
If he continues to receive the party’s backing, Loke said his third and final term would be dedicated to pushing through further reforms.
"I hope that over these nine years, I’ll be able to bring about the changes I want to see - shaping DAP according to my ideals, introducing institutional reforms that will have a lasting impact. After that, it’s time for the next generation to take over."
With a laugh, he noted that under this timeline, he would hand over the reins and retire before turning 55, and he plans not to seek re-election as an MP and state assemblyperson then.
"But I’ve accumulated a lot of experience, especially in the transport sector - in areas like ports, airports, and public transport. Even if I’m no longer in politics or contesting elections, there are still many ways I can contribute to the country and society."
Before the party election, Loke promised a "bold and major" reshuffle of the party’s CEC. He also proposed a number of internal reforms, including a review of the party’s often-criticised candidate selection process.
With his second term now underway, Loke has begun implementing these changes, including engaging Sunway University political scientist Wong Chin Huat to help improve the DAP’s candidate selection mechanism.
Next GE and third term
He stressed that his main mission for this term is to lead the DAP in defending its 40 parliamentary seats, continue as part of the governing coalition, and strengthen the party’s role within it.
"If I serve out three full terms, that means I’ll have led the party through two general elections. Hopefully, I’ll be able to step down having achieved what I set out to do."
However, he noted that the outcome of the next general election will likely determine how the party approaches its internal elections in 2028.
If all goes smoothly, Loke said, his final term will allow him to introduce even bolder reforms.
DAP sec-gen Anthony Loke speaking at the party congress in March"Right now, I can’t go all the way. But in my last term, I’ll be more daring - nothing to lose, no fear of offending people."
Loke admitted that his reform drive has ruffled feathers among senior leaders, but said his priority is ensuring the party remains strong.
For that reason, he believes the party must remain youthful and provide young people with leadership opportunities.
"If we don’t start creating opportunities now for those in their 20s and 30s, the party will age significantly in 10 to 20 years.
"I’ve seen this happen in many other parties. The reason they’re struggling today is largely due to a lack of reform and rejuvenation.
"Once a party becomes old, all sorts of problems start to emerge," he concluded. - Mkini

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