DAP will be moving towards a centrist approach, proof that the party is not a communist party – Anthony
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook giving his speech at the conference - PIX BY ATIKAH SARJI
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This was stressed upon by its secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook during his speech at the DAP 2023 Annual Conference, which is being held today at the Marriott Hotel in Putrajaya.
"DAP will always take a political approach, so it is time, especially for the components of the Unity Government, to move towards the centre of gravity.
"As a party based on social democracy, we make it clear that we are not a communist party," he added.
Loke further elaborated that all coalition parties in the Unity Government now are using middle-of-the-road politics, which can be demonstrated by Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections.
Loke also stressed that DAP's struggle follows the core principles of the National Principles (Rukun Negara) that we have pledged to uphold.
"Once again, I want to reiterate that there is no issue for DAP in upholding clear principles, including Islam as the federal religion but also in ensuring religious freedom," he added.
In a country with diverse ethnicities and religions, he further added that religious freedom must be upheld and protected, and DAP will support and defend this principle.
"We must respect the sensitivities among each other, which we must bring into our multicultural society." he said
Others who were seen at the conference include DAP Chairman Lim Guan Eng, DAP's organising secretary Steven Sim Chee Keong, BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, and Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
PKR Vice-President Rafizi Ramli, and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, were also seen attending the conference.
Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa were also present. This is the first DAP conference since the formation of the Unity Government after the 15th General Election (GE15) last year.
