MELAKA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has indicated that he wants further discussions with Anthony Loke over his resignation as Transport Minister, saying the matter should be reconsidered despite the DAP secretary-general’s decision to step down.
Anwar said Loke had promptly submitted his resignation letter, but maintained that he had yet to accept it.
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“Anthony wrote to me immediately, but as prime minister, I have yet to accept his resignation letter.
“He can take leave, but if he wants to resign, we need to discuss it again,” he said during the Jelajah Harapan Melaka Rumah Kita grand finale in Hang Tuah Jaya on Thursday night.
Anwar also defended Loke’s decision to step down on principle, describing him as a close personal friend and praising his commitment to public service.
“Anthony Loke is a very good, close family friend.
“But throughout our history, not many people have resigned on principle,” he said.
Commenting on Loke’s performance in the Cabinet, Anwar described him as one of the more hardworking ministers, particularly in driving improvements to the country’s transport sector.
“He is among the ministers who work hard and have many ideas to help the people, particularly in transportation.
“I have also asked the Malay officers in his ministry, and he is well accepted by them,” he said.
Anwar further defended DAP’s participation in the government, saying Loke had never opposed proposals benefiting the Malay community during Cabinet deliberations.
“From my experience in the Cabinet, programmes for Malays, the poor and Malay education projects have never been opposed by Anthony Loke, a DAP leader.
“That is our record,” he said.
Loke’s resignation took effect on Tuesday following the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence in the SRC International case under house arrest.
He had initially announced his intention to resign in September following the conditional pardon granted to Najib, but agreed to remain in office temporarily at Anwar’s request.
Loke submitted his resignation letter on Sept 28, with Anwar confirming its receipt the following day.
On Wednesday, Loke reiterated that his resignation had taken effect and that he would cease carrying out his ministerial duties, while pledging to continue supporting Anwar’s leadership and Pakatan Harapan (PH).
He also said DAP had yet to discuss a replacement for the Transport portfolio, stressing that the appointment of his successor remained the prime minister’s prerogative.
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