PUTRAJAYA: lAnthony Loke’s (pic) resignation as Minister of Transport will take effect immediately once former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is permitted to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
He said his resignation would become effective the moment Najib arrives at his residence to serve the remainder of his sentence.
"If he sets foot at home tonight (Friday), it takes effect tonight. If it’s tomorrow, then it’s tomorrow," he told reporters after chairing the Ministry of Transport’s post-Cabinet meeting here on Friday.
Loke mentioned that a resignation letter had already been submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 28, and that he would submit a follow-up letter regarding these latest developments.
Loke, who is also the secretary-general of the DAP, said this decision is in line with the party’s firm stance regarding the issue of house arrest for the former Member of Parliament for Pekan.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that the DAP respects the authority and prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong regarding pardons, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
"However, we are of the view that granting house arrest to Najib who was involved in a scandal that had a profound impact on the nation's economy and image could potentially send an inappropriate message to future generations," he said.
Loke said when he previously tendered his resignation, the Prime Minister requested that he continue his duties until the issue regarding the RM50 million payment was resolved and Najib was permitted to return home.
He noted that the RM50 million payment was reportedly settled at the High Court earlier Friday morning.
However, Loke mentioned that he had been informed by the Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, that Najib has not yet been granted permission to return home.
He added that Najib had been taken to a dental clinic for a previously scheduled dental examination on Friday.
Meanwhile, Loke gave the assurances that all policy planning and project implementation under the Ministry of Transport would proceed smoothly, as usual, even though he would no longer be heading the ministry.
He said the ministry's officials have the capabilities to ensure the continuity of the established plans, including initiatives announced in the 2027 Budget.
"This includes the 'MyCommuter50' (Initiative), which is set to be launched by December. The ECRL will begin operations on December 12, followed by the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link in February; all these plans will proceed smoothly, as usual," he said.
Loke also affirmed that he would continue to provide strong support to the Ministry of Transport, even as he returns to serving solely as a Member of Parliament.
Meanwhile, Loke expressed his deepest appreciation to the Prime Minister for the trust and mandate given to him during his 47-month tenure leading the ministry since December 2022.
He also extended his gratitude to the secretary-general of the Ministry of Transport, Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan, the deputy secretaries-general, division secretaries, and the entire ministry staff for their steadfast support and cooperation throughout his service.
Loke said the post-cabinet meeting he chaired today was intended to settle the ministry’s administrative matters and ensure a smooth transition of duties.
He is also scheduled to attend the ministry’s Deepavali celebration next Wednesday, which he noted would likely serve as his official farewell to the ministry’s staff.
Earlier Friday, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak completed the payment of a RM50 million fine imposed on him in connection with the misappropriation of funds from SRC International Sdn Bhd, at the Criminal Registry of the Kuala Lumpur High Court.
Ahmad Lutfi Azhar, a special officer to Najib, arrived at the court around 11.30 am to process the payment and complete the necessary documentation procedures to finalise the matter.
The settlement of the fine was one of the conditions of the conditional pardon granted by His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia on September 18, which allows Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028.
