PUTRAJAYA: Anthony Loke says he is determined to stand by his decision to resign as Transport Minister, stressing that keeping one's word is essential to maintaining public trust in politicians.
"As far as I'm concerned, I have resigned and my resignation took effect yesterday. That is a clear, certain and firm decision," he said at the Transport Ministry's monthly assembly and Deepavali celebration here on Wednesday (Nov 11).
Loke said he did not want any ambiguity over his decision, adding that he wanted the media to report the matter accurately.
He said his decision followed the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruling concerning Datuk Seri Najib Razak's application to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest, after he had publicly stated his intention to resign nearly two months earlier.
Reflecting on public confidence in politicians, Loke said they were among the least trusted professions because people often perceived them as saying one thing and doing another.
"I want to be a politician whose words match my actions. When I say I will do something, I must carry it out. I do not want to make empty statements," he said.
He added that while a position could be lost, credibility had to be preserved.
"Positions come and go but credibility must be upheld (Jawatan boleh hilang tetapi kredibiliti itu mesti dikekalkan)," he said, explaining that the principle was one taught to him by his father: when a person gives their word, they must fulfil it, even when doing so is difficult or painful.
At a press conference later, Loke reiterated that he would not change his mind, saying he would stop performing his ministerial duties from Wednesday.
Asked about his next priorities, he said he would focus on his responsibilities as DAP secretary-general, strengthening the party and serving his constituency as an MP.
He also pledged to continue supporting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Pakatan Harapan administration.
On two proposed constitutional amendments, Loke expressed hope that they would be tabled in Parliament during the current term, before its dissolution.
He said the amendments were a collective Cabinet decision and that DAP supported them and would vote in favour.
Asked whether he would attend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) ceremony next month, Loke said he would do so if invited.
In his farewell remarks to ministry staff, Loke reflected on his four years at the ministry and thanked its officers and personnel for their cooperation.
He also urged the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to continue its enforcement against overloaded vehicles regardless of who held the ministerial post.
"This is not about the minister. This is about human lives," he said.
Loke said the UPSI bus crash and the Teluk Intan FRU crash had deeply affected him during his tenure.
He added that his conscience was clear and apologised for any mistakes he might have made while serving as minister.
