Anthony Loke Officially Steps Down As Transport Minister After Najib’s House Arrest Order
"This decision upholds the principles and stance that I have explained previously," he said.
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DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook has officially stepped down as transport minister effective immediately
In a Facebook post this evening, 10 November, Loke said he has resigned after the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to begin his house arrest, effective today.
"[In] line with the stance I announced last Friday, 6 November, my resignation as Minister of Transport takes effect immediately.
"This decision upholds the principles and stance that I have explained previously," he said.
Loke thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the trust and mandate given to him to serve in his cabinet since December 2022.
He also expressed gratitude to the top management and all members of the Transport Ministry for their commitment and cooperation throughout his leadership.
"I will give my full cooperation to ensure a smooth transition of duties and that all responsibilities and initiatives of the ministry continue to be implemented for the benefit of the people," he said.
In September, Loke announced his resignation as the transport minister, but mentioned it would only take effect after Najib begins his house arrest
Loke had tendered his resignation after Najib was granted a conditional pardon, but Anwar urged him to continue serving as the transport minister until Najib began his house arrest, reported FMT.
In July 2020, Najib was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million after being convicted on seven corruption charges in the SRC International case.
His prison sentence was subsequently reduced by half to six years in early 2024 following a decision by the Federal Territories Pardons Board.
On 18 September, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, granted Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his SRC International sentence under house arrest until 23 August 2028.
