DAP open to working with Umno, says Loke

DAP national organising secretary Loke Siew Fook says the party is always open to working with others including Umno in order to achieve what is best for the people.

He also said DAP remains open to reaching a consensus with any party, whether in one group or another.

“Politics is dynamic,” the former transport minister said on a programme aired by Astro Awani last night.

“We are not closing the door in terms of future cooperation, but as far as now, our position is very clear vis a vis our cooperation with certain leaders in Umno.

“That position is very clear and the party leader has made that very clear,” he said in a reference to those facing charges in court or who have already been found guilty.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is currently facing 47 criminal charges – 12 for criminal breach of trust, eight for corruption and 27 for money laundering.

Former prime minister Najib Razak meanwhile has been convicted of seven charges in the SRC International case and is appealing his jail term and fine.

Loke said courage is needed for DAP and Umno to hold discussions.

“More and more people that I’m talking to say one of the ways out is for Umno and DAP to come to the same table.

“But that, you need political courage and you need political views. Not just from one side but from both sides.

“Is Umno prepared to even discuss about it?”

He said he himself had urged Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to call a conference of all parties.

“Let’s all sit down together to face Covid, to face the pandemic, and let’s all sit down to see how do we find a national consensus.

“I think DAP is always open to finding a consensus, not just among our coalition partners but with other parties as well.”