The government has raised a record RM91.2 million from the online auction of a special “H” vehicle registration series, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke quipping that the proceeds were not meant to help anyone “balik rumah” (return home).

Loke said the auction had broken the Road Transport Department’s (RTD) record for revenue generated from a single registration series, with the H1 number alone fetching RM10.7 million.

“What can RM91 million be used for?” Loke asked on Facebook today, before adding: “Bukan untuk bantu ‘balik rumah’” (Not to help return home).

The remark appeared to be a veiled reference to former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, whose bid to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest has drawn public attention.

This followed the Pardons Board’s decision to grant him house arrest to serve the remainder of his jail term, contingent upon him paying a RM50 million fine.

READ MORE: No 'barbed-wire' welcome for Najib, tens of thousands in donations pour in hourly

Channelled into Putrajaya's consolidated fund

Loke said that half of the auction proceeds would be channelled into the federal government’s consolidated fund, while the other half would finance people-oriented initiatives by the Transport Ministry.

"The 'H' series was originally used as registration numbers for taxis. Therefore, with this substantial revenue, the ministry will use the funds to assist taxi and rental car drivers across the country.

"There will be good news for taxi drivers next week," the minister added.

On Sept 19, Loke said he will resign from the cabinet over the conditional pardon granted to Najib, but added that his DAP colleagues will stay on.

The DAP secretary-general said his party, however, respected the decision regarding the pardon granted by the Federal Territories Pardons Board.

READ MORE: Anwar denies paving way for Najib's pardon

Loke explained that he was the only one to offer to resign to ensure the government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim remained stable.

Anwar is expected to meet Loke (above) upon the latter’s return from Shanghai, where he is on an official working visit, to discuss his offer to resign.

The Star reported that Anwar said Loke informed him of his decision, but they have yet to discuss the matter in detail.

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