‘A man of principle’: Ramanan says Anthony Loke’s resignation a major loss for govt

KUALA LUMPUR, November 12 — Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has voiced his disappointment over Anthony Loke Siew Fook's decision to resign as Transport Minister, calling it a significant loss for the government. Ramanan, who was a Cabinet colleague of Loke, expressed his sadness at the news, emphasizing that it was Loke's personal choice and not something he could influence.

Speaking at a press conference following the Socso ‘I Lindung U’ 2026 Media Awards, the minister acknowledged Loke's reputation as a man of principle and urged the acceptance of his decision.

Adding to the political turbulence, Loke announced his immediate resignation as Transport Minister following the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision to grant former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak the opportunity to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest. Ramanan, however, remained tight-lipped about any potential Cabinet reshuffles, stating that such decisions fall under the Prime Minister's domain and he has not yet received any formal notification regarding one.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim downplayed the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle, citing the upcoming end of Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan's tenure as a Dewan Negara member on December 11. The subject of the Melaka state election was also discussed, with Ramanan, who serves as a vice-president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), urging eligible voters to participate and elect their new representatives.

He emphasized the importance of the voting process and the power it holds in shaping the state's leadership.