Anwar asks Loke to reconsider resignation over Najib pardon
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked Transport Minister Anthony Loke to reconsider his decision to offer his resignation following the decision allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
According to the New Straits Times, Anwar said he would speak to Loke further before asking him to withdraw the resignation offer.
He also defended DAP against calls for the party to leave the unity government, saying it should not be pressured by those seeking to exploit the issue for political purposes.
“Why Anthony Loke? Why should DAP leave? Who is suggesting that? Why should he leave? He did nothing wrong.
“He did not propose the pardon decision. In fact, he tried his best to oppose it,” Anwar was quoted as saying.
Anwar was responding to calls for Loke to step down and for DAP to pull out of the government following the Federal Territories Pardons Board’s decision on Najib.
He said such pressure could weaken the unity government and create further political instability.
Anwar said he understood Loke’s position, particularly given DAP’s longstanding opposition to corruption and kleptocracy.
“I gave him space and did not want to rush things because I respect his decision. He is not opposing my decision or the Madani government or cooperation within the unity government,” he said.
Loke, Anwar said, faced a difficult position in defending the decision because DAP and Pakatan Harapan had maintained a firm stance on the issue from the beginning.
He also said the matter, including differing views surrounding the decision, had been conveyed to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, including the position taken by Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar during the Pardons Board meeting.
Anwar said the executive was nevertheless bound by the Federal Constitution, with the final decision on pardons resting with the King.
He also dismissed claims of a compromise or secret deal between him and UMNO leaders over the issue.
For now, Anwar said the government would remain focused on political stability, its relationship with the Malay Rulers and economic growth.
He also called on Malaysians to uphold loyalty to the country, referring to “Wangyue” as a symbol of loyalty to the government. – September 23, 2026
