Why does DAP believe a 10-year wait to win federal power is too long?

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DAP Believes a Decade-Long Wait to Regain Federal Power is Unacceptable and Demotivating

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has articulated that a perceived need to wait 10 years to regain federal power is an unconstructive mindset that risks handing a "walkover" victory to the ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional (BN). This perspective suggests that such a protracted timeline undermines the fighting spirit required for immediate electoral success and fails to acknowledge the expectations of the party's supporters. The sentiment is that the electorate will not endorse a strategy that concedes a decade of governance to BN without a determined effort to win in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15).
Confidence is Crucial for Electoral Victory

Loke's address to DAP leaders and members underscored the necessity of approaching GE15 with a strong belief in their ability to win. He posited that entering the electoral arena with a lack of confidence is tantamount to conceding defeat before the contest begins. This viewpoint directly challenges more pessimistic outlooks, such as the suggestion attributed to former PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, who reportedly indicated that the coalition might need to endure two election cycles, or a 10-year period, before it could form the government again. Loke's counter-argument is that such a long-term perspective is detrimental and that the party must actively strive to win the mandate to lead the country in the immediate election.
Supporter Expectations Do Not Align with a Decade-Long Wait

A significant factor in DAP's stance is the anticipated reaction of its supporters. Loke indicated that party members and the broader electorate would not accept the notion of yielding federal power to BN for another 10 years without a robust challenge. This implies that supporters expect a proactive and determined campaign to regain governance, rather than a passive acceptance of a prolonged period in opposition. The concept of a "blank cheque" signifies a complete trust and endorsement, which Loke believes would be misplaced if the party itself does not demonstrate a strong will to win and govern.
Strategic Focus on Indian Community Support

Beyond internal confidence, Loke highlighted the critical importance of regaining the support of the ethnic Indian community. He cited past successes in Penang and Selangor in 2008 and 2013 as being significantly bolstered by this demographic. Therefore, DAP and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are giving special attention to re-engaging this community, aiming to assure them that the opposition pact represents the most viable choice for the nation's leadership. This strategic focus is seen as integral to building a winning coalition for GE15.
Emphasis on Unified Team Spirit for GE15 Campaign

Loke also stressed the need for unwavering team spirit within DAP as the party prepares for GE15. He urged all members, including state assemblymen and local leaders, to actively participate in campaigning for parliamentary seats, regardless of whether their state assemblies are dissolved. This unified approach is deemed essential to ensure comprehensive campaign efforts and to avoid potential obstacles that could arise from a lack of inter-level cooperation, ultimately aiming for a collective victory in the general election.

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Why does DAP believe a 10-year wait to win federal power is too long?

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