Seremban: Nilai assemblyman and National DAP vice-chairman J. Arul Kumar has been appointed as the new Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman, effective today. DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke announced that the state committee unanimously selected Arul Kumar, following Loke's decision to step down from the position he had held for 22 years since 2004.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke emphasized that Arul Kumar's appointment signifies a positive development, showcasing DAP as a multiracial party that values qualifications and leadership abilities. He expressed confidence in the new state committee, describing its members as experienced, united, and well-versed in collaborative efforts. "Most importantly, we will continue serving every constituency we represent with dedication," Loke stated during a press conference after chairing the Negeri Sembilan DAP state committee meeting.

Loke highlighted that Arul Kumar's appointment adhered to the party constitution, as he previously served as the Negeri Sembilan DAP vice-chairman. Despite stepping down as state chairman, Loke will continue as a member of the Negeri Sembilan DAP committee and maintain his role as the party's secretary-general. He acknowledged the significant responsibility of leading the state chapter, especially after DAP's strong performance in the past four state elections and its retention of nine seats in the recent 16th Negeri Sembilan election.

Reflecting on his own tenure, Loke stepped down following his inability to defend the Chennah seat. He remarked that Arul Kumar's appointment underscores DAP's dedication to multiracial politics, noting that the state committee predominantly consists of Chinese members. Arul Kumar is not the first Indian leader to head Negeri Sembilan DAP, as Malay leader Yusof Bador had also held the state chairman position in the early 1980s.

Arul Kumar is anticipated to pay a courtesy call on Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim soon to discuss a new framework for cooperation between the state government and the opposition. Describing his appointment as a major responsibility, Arul Kumar pledged to ensure that DAP continues to provide excellent public service. He affirmed that the party would serve residents in the nine constituencies it won while also assisting those in Chennah and Repah, which it no longer represents. In the recent state election, DAP contested 11 seats, retaining nine but losing Chennah and Repah.