PUTRAJAYA – Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced his resignation with immediate effect following the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's house arrest application on Tuesday.
In a five-paragraph statement, Loke said the decision was in line with the position he had announced last Friday.
“This decision is based on the principles and position that I have explained previously,” he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the trust and mandate given to him to serve in the Cabinet since December 2022.
Loke thanked the Transport Ministry's (MOT) top management and staff for their commitment and cooperation throughout his tenure.
He also pledged to provide full cooperation to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities and the continued implementation of the ministry's initiatives.
“I will provide my full cooperation to ensure a smooth transition of duties and that all the ministry's responsibilities and initiatives continue to be carried out in the interests of the people,” he said.
Earlier, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that Najib would serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest at Langgak Duta, with immediate effect.
The development came after the High Court set aside the previous release order on Friday and replaced it with a new order involving the 73-year-old former Umno president.
Loke had previously maintained that he would resign as Transport Minister with immediate effect once Najib returned to his residence.
He said his decision remained unchanged despite Najib's RM50 million fine having been settled at the High Court on Friday morning.