KUALA LUMPUR – DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has delivered a blunt message: he is prepared to resign immediately if stepping down would guarantee the federal government’s recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
Speaking on his podcast 关键陆点 (Critical Point with Loke), the Transport Minister said he had no issue giving up his post – but questioned the logic behind claims that his exit would magically resolve long-standing policy matters.
“I can lose my position anytime, no problem. But will that solve anything? If Anthony Loke stops being a minister today, will UEC be recognised tomorrow?.
“If yes, I will resign immediately. But that’s not the reality,” he said.
Loke was responding to frustration from grassroots members after DAP’s weak performance in the recent Sabah state election, where some supporters pushed for the party to sever ties with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government.
He dismissed the suggestion outright, stressing that as secretary-general, he would not entertain calls for DAP to immediately abandon the coalition.
“If we cut ties now, will we suddenly see all these reforms implemented? At least give us time – give us six months to try, to push for some changes.
“If we still can’t deliver, then we can discuss whether to remain in the unity government,” he said.
DAP has recently renewed its push for UEC recognition and is expected to formally request that the Prime Minister recognise the certificate as an independent Chinese secondary school qualification – a move that has already triggered criticism from various quarters.
During the podcast, the Seremban MP also took aim at PKR secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh over her claim that Pakatan Harapan (PH) would be part of the new Sabah state government.
Loke said DAP had no knowledge of the announcement and described it as “embarrassing” and a “laughing stock”.
“PKR won only one seat in Sabah. What’s this talk about forming a state government? Government formation should be announced by the largest party – and that’s GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor,” he said.
He stressed that GRS, as the biggest bloc, must take the lead in seeking support from other parties before making any declaration on forming the state administration.
Despite the friction, Loke reiterated that DAP will not trigger instability before the next general election.
“DAP has 40 seats. Even if we withdraw, the government will not collapse. But the question is – if we pull out, who becomes prime minister?” he said.
While acknowledging that six months may not resolve every outstanding issue, he said voters should at least see some progress by then.
The unity government’s performance will be reviewed again in July next year if dissatisfaction persists. – December 12 , 2025