{
  "id": 8626889,
  "title": "PM has final say on Loke's resignation, says Khaled",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/pm-has-final-say-on-lokes-resignation-says-khaled",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-20T06:05:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1536851/pm-has-final-say-lokes-resignation-says-khaled"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kota Tinggi: Transport Minister Anthony Loke's resignation is solely the decision of the prime minister, stated Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. While ministers possess the right to resign or tender their resignation, the ultimate determination rests with the head of government. Khaled, when approached after attending the Kota Tinggi parliamentary constituency Maulidur Rasul celebration, was speaking about Loke's offer to resign following the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Loke had announced on September 17 that he would resign as Transport Minister, with other DAP ministers retaining their positions in the Cabinet. Khaled emphasized that the conditional pardon granted to Najib was under the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's prerogative and should not be questioned. He reiterated that the DAP's stance on the matter is their own and that the decision to resign is personal. On September 18, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, consented to Najib's conditional pardon, allowing him to complete his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, provided he pays a RM50 million fine.",
  "summary": "KOTA TINGGI: The decision on whether Transport Minister Anthony Loke will resign rests solely with the prime minister, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.",
  "key_points": [
    "Prime Minister Anthony Loke's resignation is solely his decision, says Khaled.",
    "Najib Razak's conditional pardon granted by Yang di-Pertuan Agong.",
    "DAP ministers retain positions in Cabinet despite Loke's resignation."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}