DAP is open to discussions on seat allocations for the state elections, but its candidates’ incumbency must be respected, party secretary-general Anthony Loke said.

“The principle of (incumbency) is very important in any negotiations.

“Since each party has won (state seats), we have to respect that. Of course in negotiations there are demands for incumbent seats, but we are open to discuss it,” he said on BFM’s “The Breakfast Grille”.

Loke was commenting on DAP’s possible cooperation with Umno in state polls. 

He said seat-swapping is normal in any negotiation. 

“We do not say we can’t negotiate at all, but of course there will be swapping of seats … that is normal.”

Loke said when the unity government was formed, a key agreement was that the components would not contest each other. 

“I told my colleagues in Pakatan Harapan that we must look back at history on how Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional didn’t work well and exploded.

“Within months after the Sheraton move they started fighting in the Sabah, Johor and Malacca elections.”

He said any contest between DAP and Umno would be risky for the unity government.

“It’s a recipe for disaster, (which may lead to) a breakup of the coalitions. 

“If we want to make this government work, we have to work together politically.”

Kelantan will dissolve its assembly on June 22, with Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Terengganu expected to follow suit soon after. – June 15, 2023.