Democratic Action Party (DAP) Secretary-General Anthony Loke Siew Fook has announced that the party will adopt a defensive yet strategically focused formula for the upcoming state elections, confirming that DAP will defend all its incumbent seats in Negeri Sembilan while formally staking its claim on 17 state seats in Johor.
The declaration sets a clear baseline for upcoming seat negotiations within the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and its federal partner, Barisan Nasional (BN). DAP’a strategic focus is on safeguarding proven strongholds while ensuring absolute political stability within the states currently governed under unity administrative frameworks.
In Negeri Sembilan, where DAP has historically maintained an unblemished track record in urban and mixed-demographic constituencies, Loke made it clear that the party has no intention of trading or conceding its territory.
During the last state election, DAP successfully swept all 11 state seats it contested under the Pakatan Harapan banner, contributing significantly to the formation of the state unity government alongside Umno.
“Our position in Negeri Sembilan is straightforward: we will defend every single seat we currently hold,” Loke stated. “This approach is built on the principle of incumbency, which has proven to be the most stable and logical foundation for maintaining our governance mandate.”
Shifting focus to the southern frontline, DAP’s target of 17 state seats in Johor reflects its established electoral footprint in the state.
During the 2022 Johor state snap election, which took place before the formation of the federal Unity Government, DAP contested 14 seats and secured 10. By targeting 17 seats, the party aims to re-consolidate its traditional machinery across major economic corridors like Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, and Batu Pahat.
The move requires delicate handling behind closed doors, as Johor is currently administered by a BN-led state government under Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. Loke reassured alliance partners that DAP’s seat claims are intended to streamline grassroots cooperation rather than trigger internal friction.
The main challenge for Loke and the PH leadership will be managing overlapping claims with Umno and the wider BN coalition. To avoid gifting easy victories to the opposition bloc Perikatan Nasional (PN), the consensus rule for the upcoming polls dictates a straight, one-on-one fight layout wherever possible.
Political analysts note that Loke’s early transparency serves to manage expectations among grassroots members and alliance leaders well ahead of nomination day.
