Anthony Loke To Resign As Transport Minister Once Najib Commences House Arrest

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 6  – Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook announced on Friday, November 6, 2026, that his resignation from the Cabinet will take effect immediately once former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is officially permitted to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the Ministry of Transport’s post-Cabinet meeting in Putrajaya, Loke clarified that his resignation is tied to the exact moment of Najib’s transition to his residence.

“If he sets foot at home tonight, it takes effect tonight. If it’s tomorrow, then it’s tomorrow,” Loke stated.

Loke, who serves as Secretary-General of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), revealed that he had originally submitted a formal resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on September 28, 2026, and will submit a follow-up letter detailing these latest developments.

He emphasized that while DAP fully respects the authority and constitutional prerogatives of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong regarding royal pardons, the party maintains a firm stance on the matter.

“However, we are of the view that granting house arrest to Najib who was involved in a scandal that had a profound impact on the nation’s economy and image could potentially send an inappropriate message to future generations,” Loke added.

Loke explained that when he first tendered his resignation in September, Prime Minister Anwar requested he remain in office until the RM50 million fine issue was resolved and house arrest arrangements were finalized. Although the RM50 million fine was settled at the Kuala Lumpur High Court earlier on Friday morning, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail informed him that Najib has not yet been transferred home, having been taken to a scheduled dental examination today.

Loke assured the public that all transport infrastructure projects and strategic policies will proceed without disruption under ministry officials, including key initiatives announced in Budget 2027. Major upcoming milestones include the launch of the ‘MyCommuter50’ initiative by December 2026, the commencement of East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) operations on December 12, 2026, and the launch of the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link in February 2027.

Cabinet Resignation Timeline, Political Position, and Infrastructure Milestones

Key resignation triggers, DAP political stances, and ministry project timelines include:

• Resignation Trigger: Immediate effect upon Najib Razak setting foot at his home under house arrest terms.
• Resignation History: Initial letter submitted to PM Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 28, 2026; follow-up letter to be submitted following fine settlement.
• DAP Party Position: Respects Royal Prerogative under Federal Constitution, but opposes house arrest for high-level corruption on principle.
• Ministry Operational Readiness: Ministry officials to oversee seamless execution of Budget 2027 projects.
• Major Infrastructure Timeline:
  • MyCommuter50 Launch: December 2026.
  • ECRL Operations Start: December 12, 2026.
  • RTS Link Launch: February 2027.

–NMT