Loke slams Ahmad Maslan over ‘anti-Royalty’ allegation, cites Khairy and Ghafar Baba

MELAKA TENGAH - DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has hit back at allegations that he is anti-Royalty for not accepting a Datuk title, questioning why similar standards were not applied to other prominent political figures who had also declined such honours.

Taking aim at Deputy Minister Ahmad Maslan, Loke dismissed the suggestion that his decision not to accept a Datuk title amounted to disrespect towards the monarchy.

He pointed out that former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had also not accepted a Datuk title, questioning whether that meant the former Umno Youth chief was also against the monarchy.

"Today, I am labelled anti-Royalty. Why? Because Ahmad Maslan said, 'Oh, because he does not want to accept a Datuk title, he is against the King.'

"How ridiculous! What kind of person says such things?" he said.

Loke also cited the late former deputy prime minister Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba, claiming that he had never accepted a Datuk title despite holding one of the country's highest political offices.

He questioned whether Ghafar Baba, who was later conferred the title of Tun, could also be accused of being anti-Royalty simply because he had not accepted a Datuk title earlier.

"Was the late Ghafar Baba against the monarchy? Of course not," he said.

Loke said the accusations reflected a tendency to attach negative labels to DAP leaders, adding that prominent figures in the party had long faced allegations of being anti-Malay and anti-Islam.

He further pointed to DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, who has since been conferred the titles of Tan Sri and Datuk Seri Utama, as an example of the party's recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the country.

He said honours should be viewed as recognition for contributions and service, rather than something political leaders should pursue while still holding public office.

"We give respect and appreciation to those who have contributed their efforts and made significant contributions. While we are still in service, our focus is firmly on serving the people," he said.

Loke urged Melaka voters not to be influenced by what he described as slander and racial sentiments, stressing the need for mature and professional politics that prioritised public service and the fight against corruption.

He was speaking at the DAP Grand Finale Ceramah Harapan at the DAP Melaka office in Taman Pandan Mawar, Melaka, ahead of polling day for the 16th Melaka state election.