“We do not want to abuse our position for our self-interest,” he said in his speech at the Negeri Sembilan DAP Convention here.

Loke, who is also Seremban MP and Chennah assemblyman, said the party had a reputation to uphold.

“If anyone (from the party) asks for land, do not entertain them. Inform me.” Loke told Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun, who was the guest of honour at the party’s convention.

Loke also asked state assemblymen and executive councillors in Negeri Sembilan not to ask for or accept honorary titles.

“DAP is not anti-Malay rulers, as claimed by some quarters who say the party is against the royalty by rejecting ‘Datuk’ titles.

“Our policy has been clear and I hope I can share this with our friends from the Barisan Nasional, especially the Umno leadership,” he added.

The transport minister said even he should not be considered for any honorary titles by the state.

However, Loke said the party had no issue with its members obtaining such titles after retiring from politics, citing party stalwart Lim Kit Siang, who was made a Tan Sri in conjunction with the King’s birthday celebration in June.

Later, when asked about the fate of two Sabah DAP leaders who had accepted an award that carried the “Datuk” title in conjunction with the state governor’s birthday celebration earlier this month, Loke said the party would decide on the appropriate action to take against the duo, as “we don’t want to create any double standard”.

We are live on Telegram, subscribe here for breaking news and the latest announcements.