Following a November 10, 2026 decision by the Kuala Lumpur High Court that permitted former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to complete his prison term under house arrest, Anthony Loke stepped down from his cabinet portfolio.
Loke’s departure brings his tenure at the Transport Ministry, which began in December 2022, to an end. The Democratic Action Party (DAP) secretary-general said that his resignation took effect immediately on November 10, and he ceased carrying out his ministerial duties the following day. Reflecting on his time at the ministry, Loke said that he served under the mandate given by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Resignation Over Najib House Arrest
“This decision upholds the principles and stance that I have previously explained,” Loke said in a statement reported by CNA.
The move fulfills a pledge Loke first made in September to protest the conditional royal pardon granted to Najib in the SRC International case. The Kuala Lumpur High Court’s verdict regarding former prime minister Najib Razak’s request to serve the remainder of his prison term under house arrest directly preceded Loke’s exit.
UMNO confirmed the completion of the payment, which fulfilled one of the conditions set allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest. Najib’s lawyer, Muhammad Farhan Muhammad Shafee, subsequently confirmed that the High Court issued the order following the payment.
DAP’s disapproval of the conditional pardon motivated Loke’s intended departure, as the organization considered it incompatible with its enduring stance on transparency regarding the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
Following an emergency Central Executive Committee meeting on September 19, Loke announced that his resignation would be a political response, stressing that the decision would affect only his Cabinet position while other DAP ministers and deputy ministers would remain in government to maintain political stability.
Addressing the ministry’s monthly assembly on November 11, Loke stressed the importance of keeping one’s word to maintain public trust. “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,” Loke told ministry staff. “Positions come and go but credibility must be upheld,” he added.
Politicians Respond to Loke Stepping Down
The departure drew varied responses across the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition and opposition figures. Melaka Pakatan Harapan Chairman Adly Zahari said that Loke’s decision to step down deserved respect, noting his commitment during his tenure, KLSE Screener reported. Adly added that the coalition would leave it to the public to make their own assessment regarding any impact on the Melaka state election.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo told reporters that the appointment of a replacement rests entirely with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, noting that the matter is the prime minister’s prerogative, according to the Malay Mail.
Loke Urges Continued Enforcement Against Road Violators
During his farewell address, Loke urged the Road Transport Department to maintain rigorous enforcement against overloaded commercial vehicles, illegal racing, and speeding. “The minister has left, we can overload again like in the past, no problem,” Loke said, describing the mindset of violators in his speech covered by Newswav.
He said the department must prove violators wrong: “I want JPJ to prove them wrong. This war on overloading will be continued, with or without me,” he said.
“This is not about the minister.” “This is about human lives,” Loke said, adding that two fatal road accidents involving university and rescue personnel had left a profound emotional impact on him and shaped the ministry’s safety initiatives.
He pointed to a bus crash involving Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students as well as a collision between an overloaded lorry and a Federal Reserve Unit truck that resulted in the deaths of personnel.
Looking toward his future plans, Loke affirmed that he will remain focused on his responsibilities as DAP secretary-general and as a Member of Parliament representing Seremban, while continuing to support Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Pakatan Harapan administration.