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SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he wants to first hear DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke's views on his decision to resign from the Cabinet following the Pardons Board's decision involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said Loke's views were important as the issue of efforts to combat corruption involved principles that the government had consistently upheld.
“I was informed about the resignation. He has informed me. I have not had the chance to discuss anything with him yet.
“I need to hear his views. I understand because he is a principled person and, from the beginning, he has consistently opposed arrangements that could give the impression that we are weak or lenient towards corrupt practices.
“Especially when we have taken many other actions, including against petty corruption. So it is better for me to meet him, hear his views and only then can I make a decision,” he told reporters after attending the Perintis Reformis Reunion Hi-Tea here on Sunday.
Loke was reported on Saturday to have announced his intention to resign as Transport Minister as a reaction to the party's position on the conditional pardon granted to Najib.
The Seremban MP said the decision was made after his proposed resignation was discussed during an emergency meeting of the DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Anwar said he would meet Loke soon to discuss the matter further.
“He is also going to Shanghai. Perhaps he will go to Shanghai first, but he has already informed me. He will bring this matter up and discuss it with me.
“I said it is fine, when there is an opportunity to meet, because today I am here and then I am going to Melaka. Tomorrow he is going to Shanghai, while I will be in Shanghai on Tuesday for discussions with Premier Li Qiang,” he said.
When asked whether the development could lead to a Cabinet reshuffle, Anwar gave a brief response.
“One thing at a time,” he said.
