Don't blame DAP alone for PH's defeat, says Tan Seng Giaw

PETALING JAYA – Pakatan Harapan's (PH) defeat in the two recent state elections, seen as a sign of voter rejection, cannot be pinned on DAP alone but must be shouldered collectively by all parties in the coalition.

DAP veteran Dr Tan Seng Giaw said every PH component party bears responsibility for the coalition's performance and must work together to restore public confidence ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).

He said the focus now should be on serving the people and ensuring the promised reform agenda continues.

"PH's defeat and the rejection by the majority of the people cannot be blamed on DAP alone. It is the responsibility of all parties in PH.

"There is still time before GE16. DAP and the parties in PH must serve the people together and prove that the government can meet their expectations," he told Utusan Malaysia.

The Election Commission (EC) announced last Saturday that Barisan Nasional (BN) had won 18 state assembly seats in the state election. The result brought down the PH administration after two terms in power in Negeri Sembilan.

Following that, Anthony Loke announced he was relinquishing his post as DAP Negeri Sembilan chairman after failing to defend the Chenah state seat.

Tan said the most important task for PH before GE16 is to ensure the people's welfare is safeguarded regardless of ethnicity, while setting aside identity-based politics.

"As a political party and as politicians who love this country, we must look after society and genuinely prioritise the interests of people of all races.

"We cannot neglect our multiracial society because if we make mistakes, it will remain in the people's memory. That is why we must keep working and protect the interests of the plural society for the long term," he said.

Commenting on the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Tan said every political move and strategy must constantly be assessed and refined according to current circumstances.

"Some actions are right and some are not. Everyone, including Anwar, must constantly review and consider every decision made.

"What matters is that leaders must love the country and prioritise the people's interests. Politics should not be driven by vengeance. Most importantly, the PH leadership can no longer act as the opposition but must play its role as the government," he said. (Quotes translated from Bahasa Melayu.)