ANTHONY Loke has defended his decision to resign as Transport Minister, saying leaders must have the courage to make difficult decisions and stand by their principles, even when the consequences mean relinquishing public office.
Loke said he remained convinced that he had done his best during nearly four years at the ministry and had no regrets over his decision, which took effect yesterday following the court order allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve his sentence under house arrest.
“Positions can be lost, but credibility must be retained,” he said at the Transport Ministry's monthly assembly and Deepavali celebrations today.
He said the decision was guided by a lesson from his father about the importance of honouring one's word, adding that personal credibility should not be compromised for the sake of remaining in office.
“But my conscience is clear that I tried my best to carry out my duties and responsibilities,” he said in his 48-minute address.
Loke, who previously held the portfolio from 2018 to 2020 before returning in December 2022, thanked ministry officials and staff for their cooperation and apologised to anyone affected by his words, actions or mistakes during his tenure.
Reflecting on his approach to leadership, he said ministers must be decisive rather than allow decisions and official files to remain pending, which could frustrate civil servants and hinder the ministry's work.
“Although sometimes the decisions are not perfect, not 100 per cent correct, there will be side-effects, but we learn. When there is a decision, if it is not correct, we correct it.
“But most importantly, a leader must be decisive. That is what I tried to do, to be a decisive minister,” he said.
He added that mistakes should serve as lessons to improve the ministry's performance and delivery.
Loke also praised his working relationship with Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, saying their different political affiliations had not affected their ability to work as a team.
“I never considered him as deputy or Number Two, but as a team that takes responsibility together,” he said.
He thanked Hasbi for his cooperation, saying he valued his views and respected him as a senior colleague.
In his address, Hasbi described working with Loke as an honour and praised his commitment to public service, saying the policies and culture of excellence established under his leadership would continue.
Hasbi also revealed that he had urged Loke to reconsider his resignation, saying the ministry still had much work to accomplish.
Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan, meanwhile, presented a summary of 55 initiatives undertaken during Loke's tenure across four sectors and five focus areas.
He praised Loke's principled leadership and willingness to make difficult decisions, saying these had provided the ministry with clear direction while keeping public interest as a priority.
Loke's address was greeted with a standing ovation from ministry officials. - November 12, 2026
