DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook has resigned as transport minister with immediate effect, following the High Court’s order allowing former prime minister Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his SRC International prison sentence under house arrest.
In a statement, Loke thanked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the transport ministry since December 2022.
“I also thank the transport ministry’s senior management and staff members for their commitment and cooperation throughout my time leading the ministry.
“I will offer my full cooperation to ensure a smooth transfer of duties to my successor and that all the ministry’s responsibilities and initiatives continue to be carried out for the people,” he said.
Resignation linked to Najib’s house arrest
In September, Loke announced that he would resign as transport minister, but said the resignation would only take effect once Najib began serving the remainder of his SRC sentence under house arrest.
Loke had tendered his resignation after Najib was granted a conditional pardon. However, Anwar urged him to continue carrying out his duties until Najib was released.
Najib’s conditional pardon
Najib was jailed in August 2022 after the Federal Court upheld his conviction for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving RM42 million in SRC International funds.
He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million.
In January 2024, then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah halved his prison sentence and reduced his fine to RM50 million as part of a royal pardon.
Two months ago, the current Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, granted Najib a further conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.
The arrangement was subject to Najib paying the fine and complying with all other stipulated conditions.
Last week, Umno said it had settled the RM50 million fine following a crowdfunding initiative.
This evening, the High Court set aside its previous order discharging Najib upon payment of the fine and issued a replacement order allowing him to serve the remainder of his SRC sentence under house arrest.
