PM Anwar to Meet Loke Before Deciding on Transport Minister Resignation Offer

SHAH ALAM, Sept 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will meet DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke Siew Fook soon to hear his views before making a decision regarding Loke’s offer to resign as Transport Minister.

Anwar confirmed today that Loke had personally informed him of the decision, noting that he understands the rationale behind the offer following the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Speaking to reporters after the Perintis Reformis Reunion Hi-Tea event at the Selangor International Trade Centre (SITC), Anwar commended Loke for his principled stance against corruption.

“He has informed me, but I haven’t had the chance to discuss anything with him yet. I need to hear his views, but I understand because he is a man of principle. From the start, he has been consistent in opposing anything that could give the impression that we are weak or lenient on corruption,” Anwar said. “Especially when we are taking action against many others, including petty corrupt figures. Therefore, it is best that I meet him, listen to his views, and only then can I make a decision.”

The Prime Minister indicated that the meeting will likely take place after both leaders return from their respective trips to Shanghai, China. Loke is scheduled to depart tomorrow, while Anwar is set to leave on Tuesday for high-level discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. When asked whether these developments would lead to a broader Cabinet reshuffle in the near future, Anwar advised patience, stating that the government will take things one step at a time.

Loke’s resignation offer follows Friday’s announcement by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, granting a conditional pardon to Najib. The order, decided during the 64th Pardons Board meeting for the Federal Territories, allows the former prime minister to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to the payment of a RM50 million fine and other set conditions.

–NMT