Negeri sembilan: Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman Anthony Loke remains the most suitable person to continue leading the party in the state, and his performance should not be judged solely on the outcome of the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election last Saturday, said Negeri Sembilan DAP Wanita chief Nicole Tan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tan emphasized that the party's defeats in the Chennah and Repah state seats should be viewed in the context of the current political landscape, which saw a consolidation of support between Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN). Tan stated it would be unfair to use the election results as a measure of Loke's leadership failure, as the defeats were influenced by broader political factors beyond the control of any individual.

She highlighted that under the leadership of the DAP secretary-general, the party had grown into a strong, united, and disciplined organization, nurturing a new generation of leaders and strengthening the party machinery throughout the state. Tan also praised the Seremban Member of Parliament's leadership record, which demonstrated his commitment to good governance, political stability, and continuous service to the people.

Tan argued that a leader should not be judged solely on the basis of one election result, stating that in politics, victory and defeat are part of the process, but the true measure of leadership is the ability to guide the party through challenges. She respected whatever decision the Transport Minister, Loke, would make regarding his position as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman but believed that his experience and credibility were essential for him to continue leading the party in the state.

She urged all Negeri Sembilan DAP members to remain united and give their full support to the party leadership, using the state election results as a catalyst to strengthen public confidence in the future. Loke had previously said he was prepared to consider stepping down as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman following the party's performance in the state election.

The new state government was formed through cooperation between BN and PN after they won 18 and seven seats respectively in the Negeri Sembilan election. Thirty-six seats were up for grabs, with Pakatan Harapan (PH) winning 11 seats. Loke failed to retain the Chennah state seat, which he had held for the past three terms.