Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will meet DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke to discuss the Transport Minister’s offer to resign following the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Anwar said Loke had personally informed him of the decision, adding that he understood the rationale as the DAP leader had consistently maintained a firm position against actions that could be perceived as lenient on 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,” Scoop quoted Anwar as telling reporters after the Perintis Reformis Reunion Hi-Tea event at the Selangor International Trade Centre today.
“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,” he said.
Loke announced on Saturday that he was prepared to step down as Transport Minister in accordance with DAP’s position on Najib’s conditional pardon. The announcement followed a three-hour emergency meeting of DAP’s Central Executive Committee.
“As a party we have a stand, we feel this is difficult to accept for DAP and many Malaysians, hence we have discussed for three hours and debated, we have reached a decision,” Malaysiakini quoted Loke as saying at a press conference at DAP headquarters.
Loke said other DAP cabinet ministers would remain in the government to maintain political stability. He described the resignation as a personal decision that would not involve other DAP ministers.
“Although they are also ready at any time, the CEC decided that they would remain to ensure the government’s stability. DAP’s position is translated through my resignation as minister,” Loke explained.
He said his official resignation letter would be submitted to Anwar soon. The meeting between both leaders is expected to take place after they return from separate trips to Shanghai, China.
When asked whether the development could trigger a Cabinet reshuffle, Anwar replied: “Let’s take things one step at a time.”
On Friday, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, granted Najib a conditional pardon, allowing the former prime minister to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until 23 August 2028, subject to payment of an RM50 million fine and other conditions. The decision was made during the 64th Pardons Board meeting for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.
