PM Anwar says will ‘discuss’ transport minister’s plan to resign

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his intention to discuss Transport Minister Anthony Loke's decision to resign from his position. Loke submitted his resignation letter to the Prime Minister yesterday. Anwar was preoccupied with attending Tun Dr Siti Hasmah's funeral when Loke's resignation was received.

Despite Loke's positive performance, Anwar expressed his willingness to discuss the matter. Loke stated that he would continue serving as transport minister until former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak begins his house arrest, as agreed upon with the Prime Minister. This period will continue until a final decision is made.

Loke's resignation is a party decision, reflecting the DAP's disagreement with the conditional pardon granted to Najib, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence at home. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, approved the conditional pardon for Najib on August 2, 2024. The pardon is contingent upon Najib paying a RM50 million fine.

Najib had been serving a 12-year jail term at Kajang Prison since August 2022 for his conviction in the SRC International case. Earlier in 2024, the Pardons Board reduced his sentence to six years and lowered the fine to RM50 million.