Politics · Singapore Bureau
Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke to resign over Najib house arrest
DAP politician Anthony Loke announced his resignation as Transport Minister in protest over the decision to grant house arrest to former Prime Minister Najib Razak. The move marks another blow to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition government amid growing political turbulence.
LSN Singapore ·
Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said he would step down from his Cabinet position following the granting of house arrest to ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak. Loke, who represents the Democratic Action Party (DAP), cited the decision as the reason for his departure from the government.
The resignation signals deepening rifts within Anwar Ibrahim's ruling coalition. DAP, a component of the government, has expressed dissatisfaction with judicial decisions affecting the prosecution of the former premier, who faces multiple corruption charges stemming from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
Loke's departure comes amid heightened political instability, with opposition coalition UMNO intensifying calls for snap elections. The loss of a Cabinet minister from a coalition partner weakens Anwar's parliamentary majority and raises questions about the stability of the government formed in late 2022.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions between the ruling coalition and opposition parties over judicial decisions and governance priorities. Political analysts suggest further Cabinet reshuffles may be imminent as the government navigates competing pressures from its coalition partners and opposition demands for early elections.