Habis madu, sepah dibuang: Anthony Loke's message aimed at Kian Ming?

KUALA LUMPUR, 31 AUGUST 2026 —

DAP’s Anthony Loke’s cryptic Facebook post sparks speculation over Ong Kian Ming’s exit, as former lawmaker pledges support to Khairy Jamaluddin’s PRU16 campaign

While Loke did not name any individual, netizens and political observers widely interpreted the Malay proverb as a dig at Kian Ming, whose defection follows years of high-profile roles within DAP, including as a deputy minister and key strategist for general elections.

The post’s timing and phrasing have fueled accusations of betrayal, with social media users flooding comments with phrases like "kacang lupakan kulit" (forgetting one’s roots), "anak sungai pun berubah, ini pula hati orang" (even river children change, but this is about the heart), and "satu pergi, seribu mari" (one leaves, a thousand follow).

The backlash underscores the political fallout from Kian Ming’s decision, which comes after 14 years in DAP, including two terms as MP for Bangi (formerly Serdang) and his tenure as Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI). His exit also raises questions about the party’s internal cohesion ahead of the 16th General Election (PRU16).

Kian Ming, in his resignation statement, clarified that he would not be returning to active politics but vowed to contribute to national interests through other platforms, including collaborating with like-minded individuals. Notably, he expressed commitment to assisting former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in his PRU16 campaign, should Khairy be given a seat to contest.

The move marks a significant shift for Kian Ming, who had been a stalwart of DAP’s electoral machinery, particularly in Selangor, where the party has long dominated.

The resignation follows a period of strained relations within DAP, with reports of internal disagreements over policy directions and leadership. Kian Ming’s decision to align with Khairy—who left Umno in 2023 to join the Perikatan Nasional coalition—further complicates the party’s alliances ahead of PRU16. Analysts suggest his move could signal a broader realignment of political forces in Selangor, where DAP has faced challenges from both Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional in recent by-elections.

For DAP, the loss of a deputy ministerial-level figure like Kian Ming is a strategic blow, particularly as the party prepares for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election. His departure also raises questions about the party’s ability to retain high-profile members amid shifting political landscapes.

Loke’s Facebook post, while framed as a general observation, has been read by many as a thinly veiled critique of Kian Ming’s loyalty, adding to the narrative of internal divisions.

Kian Ming’s announcement came on Monday, August 28, 2026, with his resignation taking effect immediately. His decision to support Khairy’s campaign—despite the latter’s past affiliation with Umno—highlights the fluid nature of Malaysian politics, where cross-party collaborations are increasingly common. The move may also reflect broader trends of political defection ahead of PRU16, as lawmakers and activists reassess their allegiances in anticipation of the next electoral cycle.

The immediate reaction from DAP leadership remains muted, with no official response to Loke’s post or Kian Ming’s resignation beyond the secretary-general’s cryptic remark. However, the party’s social media team has not deleted the post, suggesting an acceptance—or at least a calculated tolerance—of the interpretation.

For now, the focus remains on the fallout: whether Kian Ming’s exit will embolden other DAP members to reconsider their loyalties, or if the party can weather the storm with its core support base intact.

As PRU16 looms, the episode serves as a reminder of the high stakes in Malaysian politics, where personal allegiances and party loyalty often hinge on thin margins. With Kian Ming’s defection and Loke’s pointed remark, the stage is set for further political maneuvering in the lead-up to the election, where every seat—and every defector—could prove decisive.

Related: Kuala Lumpur