‘Possibly the most effective transport minister’: Guan Eng praises Loke’s RM21b infrastructure legacy in Penang

George Town, Sept 21 — DAP Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng praised Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s imminent departure from the federal Cabinet, highlighting his significant impact on Penang's infrastructure development. The former Penang chief minister credited Loke for securing federal backing for over RM21 billion in critical transport projects throughout the state.

Among these investments, Lim emphasized the RM16.8 billion Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, the RM1.55 billion expansion of the Penang International Airport (PIA), RM30 million in upgrades for KTM stations, RM2.2 billion for Penang Port, and RM500 million for the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.

Lim noted that Loke's departure marked a major loss for Penang, suggesting that the former transport minister had been the most effective at the helm compared to previous MCA transport ministers. He explained that Loke's willingness to sacrifice his executive post on principle for the sake of DAP's stance on the RM52 billion 1MDB scandal would be deeply appreciated by the state's 1.8 million residents.

Lim underscored that Loke's resignation was a symbol of DAP's "polite disagreement" with the conditional royal pardon granted to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Despite the federal pardon, Lim stressed that the party remains committed to demanding justice for those responsible for the financial scandal. Loke, who serves as DAP secretary-general and MP for Seremban, decided to step down following a marathon DAP CEC meeting.

However, Loke clarified that he would retain his party leadership and parliamentary seat, with all other DAP ministers and deputy ministers remaining in the prime minister's unity administration. Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stated on Sunday that he had yet to receive Loke's formal resignation and intended to meet with Loke to discuss his views before deciding on the matter.

The Federal Territories Pardons Board had recently granted Najib a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, subject to financial settlement and other legal requirements.