DAP has yet to discuss a candidate to replace Anthony Loke as transport minister, with the decision ultimately resting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Loke, who resigned from the post with immediate effect on Tuesday, said the party had not discussed a potential successor.
‘Not yet,’ he told reporters at the Transport Ministry when asked whether DAP had identified a replacement.
‘This is the prime minister’s jurisdiction, discuss with him,’ he said when asked whether the appointment would be left to Anwar.
Loke also reiterated that he would not reconsider his resignation, despite Anwar’s reluctance to see him leave the post.
‘As far as I’m concerned, my resignation has already taken effect. I will stop performing my duties beginning today,’ he said.
Speaking at the ministry’s monthly assembly and Deepavali celebration on Wednesday, Loke stressed that he was determined to stand by his decision, saying politicians must keep their word to maintain public trust.
He said he did not want any ambiguity surrounding his resignation and wanted the media to report the matter accurately.
Loke says credibility matters more than position
Loke said his decision followed the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruling concerning former prime minister Najib Razak’s application to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
He said he had publicly stated his intention to resign nearly two months earlier.
Reflecting on public confidence in politicians, Loke said they were among the least trusted professions because people often perceived them as saying one thing and doing another.
‘I want to be a politician whose words match my actions. When I say I will do something, I must carry it out. I do not want to make empty statements,’ he said.
He added that while a position could be lost, credibility had to be preserved.
‘Positions come and go but credibility must be upheld,’ he said, describing it as a principle taught to him by his father.
Asked whether he would consider returning as transport minister after the next general election, Loke said he would address the matter after the polls.
Focus shifts to DAP and constitutional reforms
Loke said his immediate priorities would be his responsibilities as DAP secretary-general, strengthening the party and serving his constituency as an MP.
He also pledged to continue supporting Anwar and the Pakatan Harapan administration.
On two proposed constitutional amendments to separate the roles of the attorney-general and public prosecutor, and limit the prime minister’s tenure, Loke expressed hope that both would be tabled in Parliament during the current term, before its dissolution.
He said the amendments were a collective Cabinet decision and that DAP supported both proposals and would vote in favour.
Asked whether he would attend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) ceremony next month, Loke said he would do so if invited.
In his farewell remarks to ministry staff, Loke reflected on his four years at the ministry and thanked its officers and personnel for their cooperation.
He also urged the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to continue enforcing regulations against overloaded vehicles, regardless of who held the ministerial post.
‘This is not about the minister. This is about human lives,’ he said.
Loke said the UPSI bus crash and the Teluk Intan FRU crash had deeply affected him during his tenure.
He added that his conscience was clear and apologised for any mistakes he might have made while serving as minister.
