Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been urged to reject Anthony Loke Siew Fook’s resignation as Transport Minister and retain him in the Federal Cabinet until the end of the government’s term.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim said Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, remains an important asset to the current administration and has gained acceptance across different sections of society, including the Malay community.
He said accepting Loke’s resignation could result in a loss for the government, particularly with several major infrastructure projects still underway.
“If he steps down from the Cabinet, it would not only affect the stability of the administration but could also disrupt the implementation of various important infrastructure projects currently in progress.
“I understand that Anthony Loke made the decision because he is a leader willing to take responsibility. However, from the government’s perspective, his absence from the Cabinet would be a major loss,” he told reporters after attending a dialogue session between transport operators and businesspeople at UTC Pasir Gudang today.
Hassan, a former Johor PKR chairman, said Loke’s diplomatic approach, understanding of public sentiment and leadership style made him an asset to the Unity Government.
He also urged Anwar to use his diplomatic skills to persuade Loke, the Seremban MP, to remain in the Federal Government.
Hassan said Loke’s resignation should not be allowed to proceed hastily, particularly with the next general election approaching and the Budget presentation due soon.
He also welcomed the DAP Central Executive Committee’s decision for other ministers and deputy ministers from the party to remain in the current administration.
“There is no need for mass resignations at this time. Many government projects are still being implemented,” he said.
Among the projects he highlighted in Johor were the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, Electric Train Service (ETS), the railway project in Pasir Gudang and plans for the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.
Media reports said Loke had offered to resign as Transport Minister following the decision to grant former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak a conditional pardon.
