KUALA LUMPUR – A fiery Anthony Loke has thrown down the gauntlet to Barisan Nasional (BN), challenging the coalition to walk away from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration while scoffing that its top brass are simply too terrified of losing their ministerial posts and political clout to jump ship.
Taking the stage to deafening cheers and a hero’s welcome at a Malacca state election rally—just hours after shocking the nation by resigning as Transport Minister—the DAP secretary-general launched a blistering counterattack against BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid had earlier dismissed talks of a Cabinet reshuffle following Loke’s exit, instead pushing for Anwar to dissolve Parliament and call snap national polls.
Back Anwar or get out
Firing back directly at Zahid’s election dare, Loke declared that the Prime Minister’s mandate remains ironclad, regardless of BN’s posturing.
“The mandate to govern still rests firmly with the Prime Minister. If you don’t like it, walk out of the government. He still commands the majority,” Loke told the electrified crowd.
“Even though I stepped down as minister, I have guaranteed that every single DAP lawmaker will stand solidly behind Anwar’s administration. He remains Prime Minister.”
Attacking by day, clinging to power by night
Loke took direct aim at what he called BN’s blatant hypocrisy, pointing out that collective cabinet responsibility requires coalition partners to stand united—not run a relentless sabotage campaign from within.
“If you disagree with the Prime Minister, just resign,” Loke blasted. “Every single day you voice objections. Your party attacks the PM day and night, yet you still cling to your seats in government.”
“Why? Because they know the moment they lose those posts, they lose their influence completely.”
Rallying voters ahead of the Melaka state polls, Loke urged the electorate to send an unmistakable message at the ballot box.
“We must see this for what it truly is. Do not let them walk around Melaka with unchecked arrogance. Use your vote to prove they cannot just do whatever they please.”
The flashpoint: Najib’s home detention
The dramatic unraveling follows Loke’s resignation yesterday, triggered by a contentious High Court order granting disgraced former prime minister Najib Razak permission to serve the remainder of his SRC International corruption sentence under house arrest.
While Zahid immediately seized on Loke’s exit to demand fresh general elections and an entirely new Cabinet, Loke’s thunderous Melaka rally made DAP’s playbook clear: surrender the ministerial perks, keep the parliamentary majority locked down, and call BN’s bluff once and for all. – November 11, 2026