Anthony Loke delays DAP resignation until Najib pays fine

Transport Minister Anthony Loke defended his decision to tie his Cabinet exit to former prime minister Najib Razak beginning a conditional house arrest related to the 1MDB scandal. Malaysia’s politics face fresh friction as Democratic Action Party (DAP) secretary-general Anthony Loke remains in office despite previously announcing on Sept. 19 that he would resign in protest against Najib’s house arrest order.

Loke Delays Resignation Until Najib Pays Fine

Loke clarified that his resignation will only take effect once Najib pays the outstanding RM50 million fine and actually returns home under the conditional house arrest order issued by the Pardons Board. The delay has drawn scrutiny from critics and political opponents alike. Former prime minister Najib Razak mocked the transport minister on Facebook, writing in Malay that apparently, the principle has now shifted to conditional resignation. Meanwhile, political figures such as Mahathir Mohd Rais questioned why Loke chose to wait if his departure was truly rooted in principle.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended Loke and urged focus away from the resignation controversy. What is the problem with Anthony Loke? The problem is corruption. Analysts like Hisommudin and Azmi Hassan noted that the delayed exit benefits Anwar by avoiding an immediate Cabinet vacancy and potential reshuffle pressures ahead of the general election, though it has exposed Loke to public mockery for hesitating.

DAP Setbacks and Electoral Pressures

The political drama unfolds against a backdrop of electoral setbacks for DAP, including Loke’s own defeat in Negeri Sembilan and losses in Sabah and Johor state elections. Growing frustration among the core Chinese electorate has also highlighted the challenges DAP faces as part of Anwar’s federal coalition according to the Straits Times. Despite these pressures, Loke remains upbeat, characterizing the Negeri Sembilan defeat as a blessing in disguise given that the UMNO-PAS state government faces a royal crisis following the contested removal of state ruler Muhriz Munawir.

As the timeline stands, Loke continues to carry out his ministerial duties at the Transport Ministry while awaiting the financial conditions of Najib’s house arrest to clear. Anwar ultimately holds the decision on Loke’s continued tenure timeframe, leaving the minister’s departure tied directly to the moment Najib heads home.