KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has resigned with immediate effect following today’s Kuala Lumpur High Court decision allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
In a statement, Loke said his resignation was in keeping with the position he had announced last Friday. He said the decision was based on principles and a position he had previously made clear on Sept 19.
Loke also expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the trust and mandate given to him to serve in the Cabinet since December 2022.
“I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Transport’s senior management team and all its staff for their commitment and cooperation throughout my tenure as minister,” said Loke.
“I will extend my full cooperation to ensure a smooth handover of duties and to ensure that all the ministry’s responsibilities and initiatives continue to be carried out in the best interests of the people.”
The announcement followed High Court judge Datuk Aslam Zainuddin’s decision to set aside the Nov 6 order for Najib’s discharge upon payment of a RM50 million fine and replace it with a fresh order.
Aslam said the former prime minister was to serve the remainder of his reduced prison sentence at No. 11, Jalan Langgak Duta, in accordance with the conditional royal pardon granted on Sept 18.
The terms and conditions of Najib’s house arrest have yet to be announced.
Former Malaysian Bar president Salim Bashir Bhaskaran had earlier told Twentytwo13 that the more pressing issue was to establish precisely what Najib could and could not do while under house arrest.
“To date, the public does not know what guidelines would apply. The Prisons Department should issue clear guidelines explaining what a person under house arrest is permitted to do,” he said.
He questioned whether a person under house arrest would remain subject to prison rules and, if so, whether the same stringent regulations would apply.
If not, he said, the authorities needed to explain what rules would govern the arrangement.
Salim also raised questions about the practical restrictions, including whether Najib could receive visitors and, if so, how many at a time, and whether the restrictions would mirror those imposed in prison.
He also questioned whether Najib would have to adhere to prison dietary arrangements or be allowed special meals, and whether he could access the internet or use a mobile phone.
“There is considerable uncertainty surrounding the matter. This has never been done before, and the public must be informed of the precise terms, conditions and restrictions governing house arrest,” he said.
“These matters must be made known to the public to avoid speculation.”
