DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook who is also the Transport Minister explained that the party has never been anti-royal but upholds the constitutional monarchy system and respects royal institutions as enshrined in the constitution.He said DAP is often labelled as anti-royal for not accepting honorary titles awarded by royal institutions in Malaysia. However, the party does not reject the award if retired party political leaders are awarded the titles.“We (DAP) are always plagued by that (labelled as anti-royalty) for our policy of not accepting titles. But it is not accurate at all, we have never acted against the king. Not accepting titles does not mean we are against the royal institutions. Let me explain it’s not right,” he said to reporters after officiating the 22nd Negri Sembilan DAP Convention.
He also added that DAP is not hostile to any religion or race in this country, but it is a concern when religious and racial sentiments are used by some parties as it will affect the harmony in society.“This is very dangerous, like in Parliament, we are labelled as infidels, that is something that is not appropriate, and I am sure my fellow Muslim leaders do not agree (on that matter). That is something that is very dangerous, Malaysia must remain peaceful and harmonious.” – Oct 22, 2023
Main photo credit: Utusan
