Anthony Loke’s contribution to Penang includes securing Federal Government approval for more than RM21 billion worth of transport projects, according to DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng.
The Air Putih assemblyman said the projects included the RM16.8 billion Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, along with several major transport infrastructure expansions.
These included RM1.55 billion for the expansion of Penang International Airport, RM30 million for a KTM station, RM2.2 billion for Penang Port and RM500 million for Swettenham Pier.
“Anthony, in his capacity as Transport Minister, was responsible for securing Federal Government approval for more than RM21 billion in transport projects in Penang,” Guan Eng said in a statement on Monday.
He described Loke’s decision to resign as Transport Minister as a major loss for Penang, while praising him as one of the most effective ministers based on the number of projects approved for the state.
Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, announced his intention to resign following the party’s position on the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. The decision came after DAP’s Central Executive Committee met for nearly three hours on Sept 19 to discuss the matter.
Guan Eng said Loke’s resignation reflected DAP’s position on the RM52 billion 1MDB scandal and the party’s disagreement with the royal pardon that allows Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
“His resignation highlights the party’s disagreement, expressed respectfully, with the royal pardon granted to the former prime minister,” he said.
However, Loke’s resignation only involves his position in the Cabinet. Other DAP ministers and deputy ministers will remain in the Unity Government to ensure political stability and the continuity of government administration.
Guan Eng claimed Loke may have been the most effective Transport Minister for Penang compared with previous MCA ministers, citing the more than RM21 billion in approved transport projects.
Meanwhile, the Transport Ministry said Loke would continue his official programme in China as scheduled before returning to Malaysia to manage the resignation process.
He is scheduled to represent Malaysia at the 12th APEC Transport Ministers’ Meeting in Beijing, as well as attend bilateral meetings and the signing of several memoranda of understanding.
The ministry also said all its affairs and responsibilities would continue to be carried out professionally and in an orderly manner.
