00:00DAP Secretary-General Lok Siu Phuk says the party cannot go far without being part of a coalition.
00:07In an interview with Singapore's CNA, Lok said DAP needed to be in a position of power
00:13to effect change in government and take part in nation-building. He said going solo may be easier,
00:19but it would leave DAP only in the opposition, outside the process of governance.
00:24Lok was asked about DAP's place in Putrajaya in the light of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections
00:31and the party's special congress scheduled for August. The transport minister admitted that
00:37contesting against Barisan Nacional in state elections had affected relations within the
00:43unity government. However, he said DAP and UMNO leaders were keeping things professional
00:49to ensure the federal government remained intact. Lok also said DAP does not intend to leave the
00:56unity government before the end of its term, noting that BN Chairman Ahmad Zahir Hamidi had
01:02also pledged support until then. He said whether DAP and BN contest the next general election as a
01:09unity bloc or separately would be decided only when parliament is dissolved. In February, Lok said DAP's
01:174,000 delegates would decide in August whether its leaders should step down from government positions.
01:22Jessalyn Kaur, FMT
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