Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has described Anthony Loke as a principled leader who stands by his convictions, following the DAP secretary-general’s resignation as transport minister.
Zahid said he respected the Seremban MP’s decision and appreciated his service and cooperation as a Cabinet member.
‘I have read his statement on his resignation.
‘He is a principled person who stands by his principles. I would like to thank him for his service as a member of the Cabinet,’ he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the RISDA Smallholders’ Prosperity Programme and Melaka State Open Day 2026 at Universiti Kolej Agrosains Malaysia (UCAM) in Ayer Pa’abas on Nov 10.
Loke’s absence will be felt in Cabinet
Zahid said Loke’s departure would be felt by other Cabinet members, particularly as he was a senior member of the unity government.
‘He sits to my right at every Cabinet meeting, so his absence will certainly be felt at the next meeting. I wish him all the best outside the Cabinet,’ he said.
Resignation follows Najib’s house arrest ruling
Earlier, Loke announced that his resignation as transport minister would take effect immediately following the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision allowing former prime minister Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
The resignation was in line with DAP’s position against a conditional pardon for Najib, although the party respected the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s power and prerogative in matters of pardons.
Loke had submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 28 but was asked to continue serving while matters relating to Najib’s house arrest were being resolved.
He also pledged full cooperation to ensure a smooth transition at the Transport Ministry, with the implementation of its policies and projects continuing as planned.
