SHAH ALAM, March 16 -- DAP's former national chairman, Lim Guan Eng, stayed tight-lipped on his feelings after narrowly securing the 26th spot in the party's central leadership election.

Instead, Lim deflected attention, saying the spotlight belongs to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, who secured fifth place with 2,508 votes.

"Can I say that the moment today belongs to Loke Siew Fook. This is not my moment, so I think you should ask questions to Saudara Anthony Loke, I will answer you another day, but tonight the moment is Anthony Loke," said Lim, who is also a former DAP secretary-general.

Just before that, Lim said he respected the decision made by party delegates in the election, thanked those who voted for him, and stated: "Now ...