Anwar respects Loke's principle, but no decision yet on the resignation

HANGZHOU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he respects Anthony Loke Siew Fook's decision to offer his resignation as transport minister on principle, but stressed that the matter has yet to be discussed in detail.

Speaking to reporters on a high-speed train from Shanghai to here, Anwar said he wanted to hear Loke's own explanation before making any decision.

"I want to hear his explanation. He must have resigned on principle, because he feels that for decades we have moved against kleptocracy and corrupt practices. So it is difficult for him to defend this," he said.

The resignation has not been accepted. Anwar said he wanted to give Loke room, and would explain the implications of that position when the two meet.

The matter calls for patience and wisdom, he said.

The limits of the government's power

Anwar also said the government has limits when it comes to pardons, as that power rests with the Pardons Board, which is chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Loke announced his offer to resign on Saturday after chairing an emergency meeting of DAP's central executive committee, following the conditional pardon allowing Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

He remains DAP secretary-general, while the party's other ministers and deputy ministers continue in their posts.

No successor has been named for the transport portfolio, and Loke still holds the office.