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

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated today that he will discuss Anthony Loke's intention to resign as Transport Minister. This comes after receiving Loke's letter of resignation yesterday. Anwar mentioned that he had rushed to Tun Dr Siti Hasmah's funeral when Loke submitted his letter. Despite expressing his support for Loke's work and performance as a minister, Anwar indicated that he will engage in discussions regarding Loke's decision.

According to Loke, he intends to remain as transport minister until former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak commences his house arrest, a timeframe that was previously agreed upon with the Prime Minister. Loke clarified that his resignation is a party decision, expressing the DAP's disagreement with the conditional pardon that allows Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence at home.

This pardon, granted by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, permits Najib to serve the remainder of his 12-year jail term from August 23, 2028. Notably, the pardon hinges on Najib settling a RM50 million fine. It is pertinent to note that Najib was initially sentenced to 12 years in Kajang Prison following his conviction in the SRC International case in August 2022.

In 2024, the Pardons Board reduced his sentence to six years and slashed his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.