Anwar seeks talks with Loke over resignation tied to Najib's house arrest

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will discuss Anthony Loke's decision to resign as transport minister after receiving a letter from him on Sept 28.

Loke, however, remains in office and has said his resignation will take effect when former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak returns home to serve house arrest.

Anwar confirmed receiving the letter on Sept 29 and defended Loke's performance, describing it as very good, Bernama reported.

The prime minister said he wanted to discuss the matter with Loke, and questioned the attention being paid to the minister's resignation when corruption and abuse of power deserved scrutiny.

Earlier, Loke said he had personally handed the letter to Anwar at their meeting the previous day.

Anwar had asked him to carry on for the time being, but Loke wants his remaining time in office tied to the start of Najib's house arrest.

Loke set out his position after launching Malaysia Maritime Week 2026 in the capital on Sept 29, Astro AWANI reported.

The DAP secretary-general said the decision reflected the party's opposition to Najib's house arrest.

Loke said he did not yet know when Najib would return home, and no successor for the transport portfolio had been decided.

He had earlier offered to resign after a meeting of the DAP central executive committee on Sept 19.

The decision, however, involves only his Cabinet post. DAP remains in the unity government, with the party's other ministers and deputy ministers continuing in their roles.