Anwar to meet Loke before deciding on resignation, says no letter submitted yet

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he will meet Transport Minister Anthony Loke to hear his views before deciding whether to accept his resignation.

Anwar said Loke had informed him of his intention to step down following the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak but had yet to submit a formal resignation letter.

Speaking to media in Shah Alam today, Anwar said he wanted to sit down with Loke before making any decision.

“I have to listen to his views, and I understand because he is a principled person.

“From the very beginning, he has been consistent in opposing measures that could give the impression that we are weak or lenient towards corrupt practices — especially when action is taken against many others, including those involved in petty corruption.

“Therefore, it is best that I meet him and hear his perspective,” Anwar said.

Anwar said Loke had informed him of the decision after chairing an emergency DAP central executive committee (CEC) meeting yesterday, but told him he would bring the resignation letter when they met to discuss the matter.

“He [Loke] held a meeting yesterday and informed me about it. He said he would bring the letter when we meet to discuss the matter.

“I told him, ‘It’s fine, whenever we have the time.’

“After this, I will be heading to Melaka. Tomorrow, he will be leaving for Shanghai, while I will be going to Shanghai on Tuesday for a meeting with Premier Li Qiang,” he said.

Asked about the possibility of a Cabinet dissolution, Anwar said the government was taking matters “one by one” for now.

Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, announced yesterday that he had offered to resign as transport minister following a nearly three-hour emergency CEC meeting at the party’s headquarters in Pudu.

He said he would submit his resignation letter to Anwar soon, while remaining DAP secretary-general and Seremban MP. Other DAP ministers and deputy ministers will remain in the government.