PUTRAJAYA – Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah still hopes Anthony Loke will change his mind and reconsider his decision to resign as Transport Minister.
Hasbi said he personally contacted Anthony after learning of the Seremban MP's intention to step down from the post.
He said he had directly asked Anthony to reconsider his decision as there was still much work to be done at the Transport Ministry (MOT).
"To be honest, I told him: YB, that's enough. I hope you will change your mind.
"I told him that we still have a lot of work to do," he said during the MOT monthly assembly and Cahaya Madani celebration here on Wednesday.
Hasbi said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had yet to receive the resignation letter at the time.
"The Prime Minister has not received the letter yet. There is no reply, whether yes or no," he said, joking that Anthony could still continue serving until the end of the year.
Hasbi also described the opportunity to serve alongside Anthony as an honour, praising the Transport Minister for consistently trusting ministry officials and giving them the opportunity to share their views.
He said Loke's firmness in upholding principles, accuracy in making decisions and commitment to clear governance had set an example for everyone at MOT.
He was also confident that the policies, systems and working culture introduced by Loke would remain as a legacy and guide for the ministry.
Hasbi said differences in political backgrounds and party affiliations had never prevented them from working together in the interests of the people and the country.
"Although we belong to different parties, our main mission is the same, which is to get the job done. That is why the two of us have worked closely together in carrying out the duties and responsibilities entrusted to us," he said.
Hasbi also expressed his appreciation to Loke for making the construction of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Limbang Division complex in Sarawak a reality, a project he had been fighting for over several terms.
He said the project was particularly meaningful as Anthony had personally visited Limbang to ensure the facility could be realised.
Hasbi also described Loke's commitment to addressing the issue of overloaded goods vehicles as an important effort that aligned with his own experience during his 22 years with the Public Works Department (JKR).
He said the issue had long affected the country, as overloaded vehicles were among the causes of road damage, resulting in high repair costs for the government.
He therefore viewed stronger enforcement against overloaded vehicles as an effort that would bring significant benefits to the people.
"That is why I am very pleased when he expressed his commitment to tackling the issue of overloaded vehicles. For me, this is a very good step.
"Previously, my efforts were limited to what I could do as a civil servant, but when this issue is tackled seriously, it carries great significance for the people," he said.
Loke arrived at MOT at 10.05am to attend the event. He was welcomed by Hasbi, Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri M Jana Santhiran and department heads.
Loke announced his resignation from the post, which he had held for 47 months, effective on Nov 10.
The decision followed the Kuala Lumpur High Court's ruling on Tuesday regarding former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's application to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that Najib would serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest at his Langgak Duta residence, with immediate effect.
The development came after the High Court set aside the release order issued the previous Friday and replaced it with a new release order involving the 73 year old former Umno president.
Loke had earlier stressed that his resignation as Transport Minister would take effect immediately once Najib set foot in his residence.