KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he will meet DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke to hear his views before deciding whether to accept the Transport Minister’s offer to resign following the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Anwar said Loke had personally informed him of his decision, adding that he understood the rationale behind the move as the DAP leader had consistently maintained a firm position against actions that could be perceived as being lenient on corruption, Bernama reported.
“He has informed me, but I haven’t had the chance to discuss anything with him yet. I need to hear his views, but I understand because he is a man of principle. From the start, he has been consistent in opposing anything that could give the impression that we are weak or lenient on corruption.
“Especially when we are taking action against many others, including petty corrupt figures. Therefore, it is best that I meet him, listen to his views, and only then can I make a decision,” he told reporters after attending the Perintis Reformis Reunion Hi-Tea event at the Selangor International Trade Centre (SITC) here today.
Loke announced on Saturday that he was prepared to step down as Transport Minister in accordance with DAP’s position on Najib’s conditional pardon.
He said his official resignation letter would be submitted to Anwar soon.
Asked when the meeting would take place, Anwar said discussions would likely happen after both leaders return from their respective trips to Shanghai, China.
“He just had a meeting yesterday. He has informed me that he will bring the letter and discuss the matter with me. I told him that it is fine, we can meet when we have the time. I am here today, and then heading to Melaka. If I am not mistaken, he is leaving for Shanghai tomorrow, and I will be heading there on Tuesday for discussions with Premier Li Qiang,” he said.
When asked whether the development could trigger a Cabinet reshuffle, Anwar replied: “Let’s take things one step at a time.”
On Friday, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, granted Najib a conditional pardon, allowing the former prime minister to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to payment of an RM50 million fine and other conditions.
The Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) said the decision was made during the 64th Pardons Board meeting for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, held at Istana Negara. — September 20, 2026