Post by : Rohit Dhiman

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to hold further discussions with Transport Minister Anthony Loke over the minister’s decision to resign from the Cabinet. Loke, who is also the secretary-general of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), submitted his resignation to Anwar after his party’s leadership decided that he should step down in response to the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Najib Razak. Anwar said he received Loke’s resignation letter while he was on his way to attend the funeral of Dr Hasmah Ali. The prime minister indicated that he was not ready to immediately accept the resignation and wanted to speak with Loke again before making a final decision.

Anwar questions pressure on the transport minister

Speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar questioned why Loke should be pushed to leave the government, particularly when he believed the minister had performed well in his role. The prime minister described Loke’s performance as very good and said he would discuss the resignation directly with him. Anwar’s comments suggest that the resignation process is not yet complete. Although Loke has submitted his letter, he remains in office while the prime minister considers the timing and terms of his departure. Loke had previously indicated that Anwar asked him to continue carrying out his responsibilities temporarily while the resignation was being considered.

Why Anthony Loke offered to resign

The resignation issue is linked to the decision concerning Najib Razak, who was granted a conditional pardon that allows him to serve the remaining part of his sentence under house arrest, subject to the conditions attached to the pardon. Loke’s decision followed a meeting of the DAP Central Executive Committee. The party decided that he would leave his Cabinet position, while other DAP ministers and deputy ministers would remain part of the government. Loke has maintained that the decision concerns his position as a Cabinet minister and does not mean that DAP will withdraw from the Unity Government. The party has said its continued participation is intended to maintain political stability.

Loke sets a timeframe for his resignation

Loke has since clarified that his resignation will take effect when Najib returns home to begin serving the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. Until that happens, Loke continues to perform his duties as Transport Minister. He has also said that he asked for a clear timeframe during his discussion with Anwar. According to reports, there is currently no replacement for Loke because the resignation has not yet taken effect. The timing of the formal change remains subject to Anwar’s decision.

Najib Razak house arrest issue at the centre

The wider dispute follows the conditional pardon granted to Najib Razak. The decision allows the former prime minister to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, subject to a RM50 million fine and other conditions. Najib remains involved in separate legal proceedings. Reuters reported that he has also sought a stay of a separate 15-year prison sentence while he pursues an appeal. A Kuala Lumpur court is due to consider that request in October. The developments surrounding Najib have created political debate within Malaysia, with DAP taking a position on the issue while continuing to remain part of Anwar’s coalition government.

DAP ministers will remain in government

Despite Loke’s proposed resignation, DAP has decided not to remove its other ministers and deputy ministers from the Cabinet. The party has said that government operations and existing ministry programmes should continue. Loke had also previously stressed that his decision would not mean an immediate disruption to the work of the Transport Ministry. This means the immediate issue is focused on Loke’s position rather than a broader withdrawal of DAP from the government.

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Anwar has not made a final decision

For now, Anthony Loke remains Malaysia’s Transport Minister while Anwar Ibrahim considers his resignation offer. The prime minister’s decision is expected to follow another discussion between the two leaders. Until the resignation formally takes effect, Loke will continue performing his ministerial responsibilities. The situation also remains connected to the timing of Najib Razak’s proposed move to house arrest, which Loke has identified as the point at which his resignation would become effective.

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