SEREMBAN: Born in the Year of the Snake, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook is calm and cautious in his actions.

Loke agrees that he normally observes matters with a cool mind and thinks carefully before making a major decision or handling a complex matter.

“Snake does not move in a straight line but is clear of its direction.

“I’m the same, too. I do not take a path like many but I am clear of my objective.

“So, I will adopt a different approach to achieve my goal,” he told Sin Chew Daily in an exclusive interview.

After graduating from university, Loke said he opted a different path from his peers to enter politics.

He had planned to be active in politics when he reached 30, but decided to be active in politics earlier due to an uneventful venture in his career.

People born in the Year of the Snake are said to be flexible and resourceful.

Loke is of the view that he does have such traits.

“Snakes move quietly. I do not like my actions to be known by many. I announce a major decision only when the timing is right.

“Like snakes, I will only show up when the time is right,” he said.

Looking back, Loke said there were major changes over the past 12 years.

He was the Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman, the Seremban member of parliament cum state assemblyman then.

In 12 years, he became the Minister of Transport twice and DAP secretary-general.

At the age of 48, Loke said he is aware of his responsibility as Transport Minister and DAP secretary-general.

“Every decision will have an impact on the party and the nation. I am cautious in making decisions,” he said.

Loke said he is indebted to his mentor, the late Kerk Kim Hock.

He joined DAP in 1994 at the age of 17, and became Kerk’s personal assistant in 2002.

“Without Kerk’s support, I would not have been who I am today in politics,” he said.

The experience he has accumulated over the past 25 years has shaped him to be steady and cool when dealing with people, he said.

“As Transport Minister, I hope I deliver more for the country and the people, leaving behind positive impact and good policy,” he said.