PETALING JAYA: Anthony Loke has resigned as Transport Minister (pic) with immediate effect following the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
Loke said the decision was consistent with the principles and stance he had previously explained.
“Following the decision of the Kuala Lumpur High Court and in line with the position I announced last Friday, my resignation as the Transport Minister takes effect immediately,” he said in a statement.
“I express my sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the trust and mandate given to me to serve in his Cabinet since December 2022.
“I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the top management and the entire workforce of the Transport Ministry for their commitment and cooperation throughout my tenure leading the ministry.”
Loke also said he would ensure a smooth transition of duties so that ministry initiatives would continue in the best interest of the people.
Last Friday, Loke said his resignation would take effect the moment Najib returned home.
On Sept 19, following a four-hour meeting, the DAP secretary- general had offered to submit his resignation to Anwar “at the soonest time possible” as the party’s response to the conditional pardon granted to Najib.
Loke said other DAP ministers would not be resigning in order to maintain political stability.
“We don’t want any political moves to lead to political uncertainty and at the same time, we needed a stand and reaction from the party.”
He said if all DAP ministers decided to resign from the Cabinet, it would lead to the collapse of the Federal Government.
