Seremban Jaya assemblyman P Gunasekaran will also retain his position as deputy chairman for another term, Utusan Malaysia reported.

Loke, who has held the position since 2004, and Gunasekaran were named together with the rest of the state leadership after a closed-door session of the top 15 in today’s state party elections.

Nilai assemblyman J Arul Kumar and Teo Kok Seong were named as vice-chairmen, while Rasah MP Cha Chee Kim will be secretary for another term.

The DAP secretary-general received 571 votes from the 658 delegates present at the election, while Gunasekaran secured 482 votes.

Arul garnered the second-highest number of votes with 533, while Teo received 415 votes.

Loke said the new committee would focus on preparing for the next general election (GE16).

“We must continue to strengthen the party, both within the government and in terms of the overall organisation. We must ensure we have a strong and experienced lineup of candidates who can secure victories,” Loke said.