What does this country want? Anwar questions focus on Loke's exit over corruption

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim questioned those celebrating Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s decision to resign, saying that the DAP secretary-general had been performing his duties well.

Anwar said there was no apparent reason for Loke to step down, noting that the minister had only submitted his resignation letter yesterday.

“What is wrong with his work? His work is good. He only submitted his letter (of resignation) yesterday. What is the problem with Loke?

“The problem is corruption, theft and misappropriation. You do not raise these (issues). But you raise the issue of asking him to resign. What for?

“You want someone who does not steal to resign. I want to ask, really, what does this country want?

“We brush aside the issue of corruption, (but) discuss Loke resigning,” he told reporters after attending Malaysia Professional Day at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLGCC) today.

Anwar, however, said he would discuss the matter with Loke.

Earlier today, Loke (below) confirmed that he has officially tendered his resignation as transport minister.

He said he met with Anwar yesterday to submit his resignation letter, and was told to remain in office for the time being, pending a final decision.

“The prime minister will decide, but I also said (to Anwar) that there needs to be a time frame,” he told reporters after officiating the Malaysia Maritime Week 2026 in Kuala Lumpur.

‘No successor yet’

Loke said during the discussion, he mentioned that the decision was made due to the house arrest granted to former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

“But as of today, Najib has not yet returned home. So, he (PM) asked me to continue carrying out my duties for as long as Najib has not returned home.

“If he is released tomorrow and returns home, then my resignation will take effect,” he added.

When quizzed further on his potential replacement, Loke said there is no successor to the position yet.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar granted Najib (above) a conditional pardon on Sept 18, allowing the former prime minister to serve the remainder of his SRC International prison sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.

The order is conditional on Najib paying a RM50 million fine and complying with the imposed conditions.

The following day, DAP’s central executive committee decided that Loke would resign from the cabinet to reflect the party’s disagreement with the house-arrest decision, while its other ministers and deputy ministers would remain in government.

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