KUALA LUMPUR: DAP ministers and deputy ministers will remain in Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government, with the exception of Anthony Loke, who has offered to step down as Transport Minister.
Loke, who serves as DAP secretary-general, said the decision was reached following a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting at the party’s headquarters in Pudu this evening.
The emergency meeting was convened after former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was granted a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, provided he pays a reduced fine of RM50 million.
The decision was made at the 64th meeting of the Federal Territories Pardons Board, chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim yesterday.
The Pakatan Harapan (PH) Presidential Council met yesterday evening to discuss the latest political developments, including Najib’s house arrest order.
“As a party, we have our position on this issue, and we feel that this (Najib’s house arrest) is difficult to accept, not just for DAP, but for many Malaysians,” Loke told reporters following the CEC meeting.
“After extensive debate and discussion, I will offer to tender my resignation as Transport Minister to the prime minister.”
Loke confirmed that all other DAP Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers will remain in government.
“We know that certain quarters are waiting for DAP to quit the government to cause political instability, forcing the prime minister to lose his majority and necessitating the dissolution of Parliament,” he added.
Despite serving together at the Federal level, Umno leaders have continued to target DAP figures, a friction evident during recent state elections and expected to persist in the upcoming Melaka state polls.
Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, was quoted by national news agency Bernama earlier today as saying that coalition partners in Putrajaya remain professional in managing state affairs, with Cabinet decisions made collectively.
“The working relationship is good. Although we are politicians, when it comes to managing government matters, we act professionally,” Ahmad Zahid said.
Najib is currently serving a reduced sentence following his conviction for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd. He was originally sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment and fined RM210 million, beginning his sentence at Kajang Prison on Aug 23, 2022.
In early 2024, the Pardons Board Secretariat announced that his prison term had been halved from 12 years to six, while his fine was reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million.
Ahmad Zahid subsequently called on party leaders, members, and supporters to help raise the RM50 million required to settle the fine and facilitate Najib’s transfer to house arrest, stating that the fundraising initiative would help ease the financial burden.
Despite widespread public criticism, the Najib Razak Solidarity Fund has raised RM1 million as of 9:30 am today.
Meanwhile, DAP Wanita urged the government to disclose the official minutes of the Pardons Board meeting.
“The public deserves complete clarity on the considerations and processes that led to this decision,” said DAP Wanite chief Teo Nie Ching.
