“Can Anthony Loke hold on to Chennah? Political ground may be shifting” – Prof P.Ramasamy

There have been social media articles and commentaries predicting a handsome victory for DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke in the state constituency of Chennah, Negeri Sembilan, in the elections scheduled on August 1, 2026. The arguments supporting Loke’s victory in the state constituency of Chennah are based on the following considerations.

First, the incumbency factor might favour Loke. Loke contested and won the last state election in 2023. Second, Loke is very respectful of the state royalty and its adat laws. He has consistently warned party members to respect the royal institution. Third, it is argued that Loke has brought much development to Chennah. He is regarded as a politician who talks less but does more. Fourth, the demographics of the constituency- 46 per cent Malays, 44 per cent Chinese, 2.5 per cent Indians, and about 7 per cent from other ethnic groups might be favourably disposed towards Loke.

Fifth and finally, it is argued that as the principal leader of the DAP and a federal minister, Loke has the advantage. However, those supporting Loke, the DAP or the PH coalition fail to recognise that political circumstances are not static but dynamic. Conditions favourable to Loke or the DAP might have existed three years ago, but certainly not now.

The level of satisfaction among non-Malays, particularly the Chinese, is no longer as favourable towards the DAP. The traditional supporters of the DAP are aggrieved that the party has failed to fully address the issue of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC). The DAP has also failed the Chinese community by not taking up the pig farming issue in the state of Selangor. While other states can have modern and scientifically managed pig farms, why not Selangor?

PH promised far-reaching reforms in the larger interest of good governance, but failed to implement them. DAP leaders failed to raise the very issues on which they campaigned during the last election. Over the last few days, I have been in Negeri Sembilan, and the political environment of support for PH and the DAP does not appear to be there. Chinese transport companies have been affected by the strict enforcement of traffic laws. Drivers, most of whom are Indians, have been unfairly disadvantaged by the strict enforcement of these laws.

While the government has a role to play in reducing accidents, the anger among transport company owners and drivers is palpable. That anger appears to be directed at the PH government. Many non-Malays I spoke to in restaurants expressed dissatisfaction with the DAP and the PH coalition.

Yes, Loke can win the Chennah constituency, provided non-Malay, particularly Chinese, support remains intact. Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly obvious that Chinese support for the DAP can no longer be taken for granted. Malay support is also unlikely to shift towards the DAP or PH, while BN, with the support of PAS, might consolidate much of the Malay vote. There is therefore a possibility that Loke might not even win his favourite constituency.

Ultimately, the issue is not whether Loke is a responsible politician or whether he respects the state’s adat laws. The real question is whether voters are convinced that he can effectively represent them in the aftermath of the election. Let us not forget the beating the DAP took in the Sabah state election and the setback it suffered in Johor.

Negeri Sembilan might well reflect a similar degree of voter unhappiness with the DAP and the PH coalition.