Anthony Loke, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) secretary-general, lost the Chennah state seat in the 2026 Negeri Sembilan state election to MCA's Siow Kong Choon by a margin estimated between 533 and 688 votes [1, 2, 3, 4]. Loke had held the seat since 2013 and was seeking a fourth consecutive term [1, 2, 3].
Following the election results on August 1, Loke announced his resignation as DAP Negeri Sembilan state chairman, taking responsibility for the party’s performance in the state [5, 2, 6, 7, 8]. He stated, “In the Negri Sembilan state election that just ended, we managed to retain nine seats. Comparatively, we are stronger than in 2004. So I feel this is the best time for someone else to take over Negri Sembilan DAP.” He also said there was no external pressure for his resignation, explaining, “I have been chairman for 22 years. This is my personal decision, and I feel it is the right time to hand over the responsibility” [2].
Despite stepping down as state chairman, Loke will remain as DAP secretary-general after receiving unanimous support from the party’s central executive committee (CEC) [5, 2, 6, 7, 8]. He added, “I will focus on my role as secretary-general. With the support and confidence shown by the entire CEC, I feel I have the responsibility to continue carrying out this duty” [2]. DAP Central Executive Committee member Chow Kon Yeow confirmed there is no immediate pressure on Loke to resign as state chairman, saying, “There is no need to consider (resigning) immediately. Let things settle down for a few days before making any decision” [9].
The 36-seat Negeri Sembilan state assembly election resulted in a two-thirds majority for the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, which together won 25 seats (BN 18, PN 7). Pakatan Harapan (PH), which includes DAP, secured 11 seats [10, 11]. DAP won 9 of the 11 seats it contested [4]. The election marked a third consecutive setback for PH in eight months, after losses in Johor and Sabah [10]. The caretaker Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun also lost his Linggi seat in the election [3, 11].
DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming described the losses in Chennah and Repah as a "difficult and bitter experience for us," but vowed that PH would "reflect, carry out a comprehensive assessment and work towards regaining victory in Negri Sembilan in the future" [4]. Johor DAP also expressed support for Loke to continue leading the party despite the setbacks [12].
DAP’s upcoming national conference on August 16 will include a motion for delegates to decide whether the party should remain in government until the end of the current parliamentary term [2, 6, 7].
