Loke dares BN to quit govt, but says it fears losing influence

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook has challenged Barisan Nasional (BN) to withdraw from the federal government, despite the opposition party's constant criticism of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. At a rally in Melaka, Loke confronted BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for suggesting Prime Minister Anwar should dissolve Parliament early instead of reshuffling the Cabinet following Loke's resignation as transport minister.

Loke stated, "The mandate to govern is still in the prime minister's hands. If you don't like it, you can leave the government. He still has the majority support." Although Loke is stepping down as a minister, he assured that all DAP MPs would continue to support Anwar's administration. Loke questioned why BN has not yet left the government, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility.

He said, "If you don’t agree with the prime minister, then just resign... Every day you voice disagreement, with your party attacking the prime minister night and day, yet you sit in the government. But they want the government positions, because they know that if they lose those positions, they would lose their influence as well."

Loke urged the audience to use their votes in Melaka to keep BN in check. Earlier, Zahid dismissed reports of a possible Cabinet reshuffle following Loke's departure, suggesting that dissolving the Cabinet and holding a general election would be better.