Anwar asks Loke to reconsider resignation over Najib pardon

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Transport Minister Anthony Loke to reconsider his decision to resign from the cabinet over the conditional pardon granted to former Prime Minister Najib Razak. Anwar stated that the DAP should not yield to pressure from political interests to withdraw from the government, as it would weaken the unity government.

He questioned the motives of those urging Loke to resign, emphasizing that Loke did not propose the pardon and had opposed it. Anwar defended the DAP's stance, highlighting their consistent opposition to kleptocracy and corruption. He acknowledged the difficulty in defending the Pardons Board's decision given the party's firm position and the views of Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar.

Anwar underscored the importance of understanding the limitations of executive power under the Federal Constitution, with the final decision ultimately resting with the King. He criticized those attempting to manipulate the issue by suggesting a compromise between himself and the Umno leadership. Anwar called for all Malaysians to uphold loyalty to the country, using the term "Wangyue" to symbolize this principle.