DAP yet to discuss replacing Anthony Loke as transport minister, says party vice-chairman

KUALA LUMPUR: The Democratic Action Party (DAP) has stated that discussions regarding a potential replacement for Anthony Loe as transport minister are premature, as Loe's resignation has not yet taken effect. DAP vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan made this clear, asserting that the resignation is contingent upon Prime Minister Najib Razak's presence in his residence.

According to Johan, it is inappropriate to discuss the appointment of a successor until the official resignation occurs. Cabinet appointments, he emphasized, lie within the purview of the prime minister, who will decide the replacement after consulting with the DAP secretary-general. Loe had announced his intention to resign as transport minister once Najib was released from prison to serve his remaining sentence under house arrest.

This decision aligned with DAP's objection to Najib's house arrest. On September 18, Sultan Ibrahim, Malaysia's king, issued a conditional royal pardon to Najib, enabling him to serve the remainder of his SRC sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, provided he pays a RM50 million fine. Najib's legal team complied with this payment on the same day.

Following the payment, Loe declared his resignation would become effective upon Najib's step into his house.