“To answer all Umno propaganda, DAP is not leading the coalition.
“We are cooperating as equal partners in the coalition,” the DAP national organising secretary said at a press conference at the Dewan Rakyat media centre today.
Calling it a “coalition of equals”, he said there was no issue of one party dominating PH.
“All parties will have equal strength. That makes Pakatan Harapan different from BN. We are not BN 2.0.”
He said PH does not want to follow in the footsteps of BN.
“That will not receive support from Malaysians. That is what they don’t want in Malaysia — another party like BN.”
Loke also said the PH candidate for the post of prime minister will be a Malay. Whether that would be seen as a Malay-led PH, “that will be up to interpretation”, he said.
The Seremban MP was asked to comment on Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) president Muhyiddin Yassin’s proposal for a coalition in which PPBM would be among the main parties to champion its struggles.
Muhyiddin had said the coalition must be a Malay-led government as the majority of the rakyat are Malays.
The former deputy prime minister also gave his word that the rights of non-Malays would be safeguarded.
Loke explained that it was not a demand but a suggestion from PPBM.
“We are open minded. We are prepared to talk,” he said, adding the topic will be discussed today at PH’s first meeting, with PPBM as a coalition member.
As for PAS’ proposal for amendments to the Syariah Court (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 355, he said all 36 DAP MPs will object to the bill.
“That is clear. We will explain why we do not agree (during the debate).”