Former transport minister Anthony Loke has defended his decision to stand by his promises, saying he wants to be a politician whose actions match his words rather than someone who makes empty statements.
He said politicians’ failure to fulfil their promises was one of the main reasons the public had lost trust in them.
Loke acknowledged that politicians were often ranked among the least trusted professions in various surveys, largely because of perceptions that they frequently failed to practise what they preached.
“Many people today do not believe what politicians say. According to many surveys, politicians are among the least trusted professions.
“People have this perception that politicians say one thing but do another.
“What I say, I will do and carry out. It is not empty talk,” he said.
He was speaking at the Transport Ministry’s (MOT) monthly assembly on Wednesday.
Loke stressed that every statement made by a leader must be clear, truthful and followed by action, as it ultimately reflects their personal credibility.
“To me, a position can be lost, but credibility must be preserved,” he said.
He added that the principle was instilled in him by his father, who taught him that promises must be honoured regardless of the difficulties involved.
“When we say something, we must fulfil it and follow through. Even when it is painful or difficult, once we have said it, that should be the principle we stand by,” he said.
Loke arrived at the ministry at 10.05am to attend the assembly, where he was welcomed by Deputy Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri M Jana Santhiran and department heads.
He announced his resignation after serving as transport minister for 47 months, with the decision taking effect yesterday.
His resignation followed the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision on Tuesday concerning former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s application to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
The High Court ruled that Najib could serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest at Langgak Duta with immediate effect.
The development came after the court set aside its earlier release order on Friday and replaced it with a new release order involving the 73-year-old former Umno president.
Loke had previously pledged to resign as transport minister with immediate effect once Najib stepped foot in his residence.
