SHAH ALAM, Nov 10 — DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke today predicted a high possibility for the continuation of the unlikely partnership between Pakatan Harapan and its one-time political nemesis Barisan Nasional at the 16th general election that must be called by 2028.

However, he said there were key conditions attached, adding that it depended on the parties’ ability to focus on growing Malaysia’s GDP while managing living costs and inflation, which will be reflected in the national election results.

"In the next three years, if we are able to build our economy not only in terms of GDP growth but also at the same time, control inflation, manage the cost of living, and provide well-being for the people, by the time of the next election, the majority of Malaysians must feel that the country’s direction is on the right track. The people as a whole must feel that their lives are better than before.

"If we are able to achieve these indicators, we are confident that the current government can maintain its victory and retain power in Putrajaya,” he said in his speech in opening the Selangor DAP Convention 2024 at the Ideal Convention Centre here.

Loke was asked if the public spat between DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok and Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh would disrupt the alliance’s political harmony.

He replied that conflicts were "usual” in politics.

"For us, we look at the bigger picture, not at any single individual. What matters is the direction of the country. What is important for our consideration is whether this cooperation between PH and BN works.

"All political party coalitions, in any coalition government or political cooperation, will inevitably have disagreements between individuals.

"These individual-level disagreements should not affect the cooperation at the government level. So, for me, these are personal issues between individual leaders,” he said.

He said that every coalition will have moments of conflict among its member parties.

"Even Barisan Nasional, after decades, still sees conflicts between Umno and MCA,” he added.

In his speech earlier, Selangor DAP chairman Gobind Singh Deo reminded the delegates not to underestimate their political opponents when preparing for elections.

"Our work isn’t finished yet. Out there, we have opponents preparing to challenge us in the next election. We must not take this lightly. We must always be aware.

"We must make sure that we are ready for this in the next two years,” he said.