Loke signals transport minister exit over Najib pardon

Loke Siew Fook announced his intention to resign from his position as transport minister on Monday, citing the conditional pardon issued to Najib Razak as the catalyst for his decision. The DAP secretary-general's resignation signal represents a significant political development within the ruling coalition.

The move comes as Loke prepares to meet with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim following Anwar's return from Shanghai. The planned discussion is expected to address the implications of the pardon and broader coalition dynamics in the wake of this development.

Najib Razak, who led the country as Prime Minister from 2009 to 2018, received the conditional pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, reducing his sentence in connection with charges related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal. The decision has prompted significant reaction from within the government.

Loke's prospective resignation underscores tensions within the ruling coalition over the pardon decision. His departure would represent a notable shift in the government's ministerial composition and reflects broader disagreements over how the matter has been handled.

The transport minister's position is one of several key posts within the current administration. His potential exit is expected to have implications for ongoing transport and infrastructure projects across the country.