PETALING JAYA : DAP Secretary-General Loke Siew Fook has announced his resignation as Transport Minister to take a stand regarding former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak being granted house arrest.

However, all other DAP cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, and government appointees will remain in their positions to ensure political stability.

“I will tender my resignation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the coming days,” Loke told a press conference on Saturday evening.

He stated that the decision was reached after nearly three hours of debate during a DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, where he personally volunteered to step down from his federal ministerial position.

“My resignation involves only my role as a cabinet member. Other DAP representatives in the cabinet, including ministers, deputy ministers, and key officeholders, will continue serving in the government,” he said.

Loke emphasised that the party is fully aware of political manoeuvres waiting for DAP to pull out of the administration.

“A full DAP withdrawal could trigger severe political instability and potentially cost the Prime Minister his parliamentary majority, leading to a parliament dissolution or a change in government,” Loke said.

“We are acutely aware of the political calculations at play and what certain parties hope we will do to fulfill their ambitions. We will not be giving them that opportunity this time,” he said.

Addressing DAP’s stand, Loke emphasised that the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal has been a central and non-negotiable issue for the party over the past decade.

“DAP has consistently maintained that truth and justice must prevail, and that those involved must be held accountable,” he said, noting that Najib was duly convicted and sentenced by the courts.

“DAP respects the royal pardon granted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in Najib’s case,” Loke said.

While there is no prior precedent in Malaysia of an individual convicted of criminal or corruption charges being granted house arrest, the party abides by the royal pardon decision.

“As a political party, DAP must respond to this matter. We recognise that this is not only difficult for DAP to accept, but many Malaysians will also hold their own strong views on the issue,” he said.

Reassuring the public on government continuity, Loke stressed that his departure will not disrupt the Transport Ministry’s ongoing initiatives, planned projects, or daily administration.

“Ministers come and go, but the ministry will continue to function as normal,” he said.

Loke said that he requires a brief window to wrap up pending ministerial matters and will coordinate the transition timeline with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“I still need a little time to clear outstanding matters at the ministry and will discuss this with the Prime Minister, but it will not be delayed for long,” he said, drawing a parallel to general elections where cabinet transitions occur without disrupting civil service operations.

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