Anthony Loke Submits Resignation as Transport Minister, To Take Effect Upon Najib’s Release to House Arrest

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 – Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has confirmed that he hand-delivered his letter of resignation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Monday, September 28.

Speaking at a press conference following the launch of Malaysia Maritime Week 2026 on Tuesday, Loke stated that his resignation will officially take effect once former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is released from prison to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

“When Datuk Seri Najib returns home, my resignation will take effect. My resignation is a party decision, based on DAP’s response and position on Datuk Seri Najib’s house arrest, which we do not agree with,” Loke said.

Loke explained that during their meeting to discuss his decision to step down from the Cabinet, Prime Minister Anwar asked him to remain in his post and continue performing his duties for the time being until the transition occurs. No successor to the Transport portfolio has been appointed.

The decision follows a DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) emergency meeting held on September 19 in response to the conditional pardon granted to Najib on September 18 by the Pardons Board. The conditional pardon permits Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, subject to the payment of a RM50 million fine.

–NMT