PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended Transport Minister Anthony Loke amid criticism over his decision to remain in the Cabinet despite previously announcing his intention to resign.
“Good people must be defended. These are the people who should lead our country. Don’t worry about what politicians say, let them talk,” he said.
“Why should good people resign? Those who should resign are the ones involved in corruption. Isn’t that right?”
Anwar was speaking at a ceremony to present RM1,000 in financial assistance to taxi, hire-car and school bus drivers at the Transport Ministry today.
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He urged Loke to disregard political pressure, saying the country needed principled leaders who delivered results rather than those preoccupied with political rhetoric.
Anwar also revealed that he had advised Loke that certain matters, including decisions involving house arrest, fell outside the government’s authority and were governed by constitutional provisions.
“I told him to stay and do his work because the country needs leaders with principles who care about the people at the grassroots,” he said.
Loke had submitted his resignation letter to Anwar late last month, but the Prime Minister subsequently asked him to remain in office.
Anwar praised Loke for turning proceeds from record-breaking vehicle registration plate sales into financial assistance for drivers, describing the initiative as an example of leadership that prioritised ordinary Malaysians.
The RM1,000 assistance was made possible by sales of special H-series vehicle registration plates, which generated RM91 million, exceeding the Transport Ministry’s initial revenue projection of RM30 million.
Loke earlier said the unexpected windfall had prompted him and the ministry’s secretary-general to personally approach Anwar during a trip to Sarawak for the Malaysia Day celebrations last month.
“When I proposed it, he said, ‘Good idea, give it immediately’,” Loke said.
However, Loke clarified that the assistance, which is expected to benefit 53,000 drivers nationwide, was a one-off payment and not an annual entitlement.
The initiative will cost RM53 million, comprising RM38 million for 38,000 taxi and hire-car drivers and RM15 million for 15,000 school bus drivers.
Loke also dismissed concerns about distributing the assistance before Parliament approved Budget 2027, stressing that the funds came from revenue already collected rather than next year’s allocation.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the government’s improving financial position had enabled it to channel more assistance to Malaysians after nearly four years of addressing national debt, deteriorating public facilities and other pressing commitments.
