DAP leaders considered resigning before settling on Loke's exit

 

CEC member says party weighed the implications before deciding Loke should resign as transport minister while other DAP ministers remain in government. NSTP/FATHIL ASRI

KUALA LUMPUR: The decision for DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke to resign as Transport Minister was not easily reached, with several party leaders prepared to step down, said DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) member Syahredzan Johan.

He said the CEC had thoroughly considered the implications before deciding that Loke's resignation was the best course of action.

"The committee agreed that while DAP respects the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in the Pardons Board, Loke would resign as minister to uphold the party's commitment to fighting corruption and abuse of power," he said in a statement.

Earlier, Loke announced that he would resign from the cabinet following the Pardons Board's decision to grant former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak conditional house arrest.

Loke said the party's other ministers and deputy ministers would remain in the government.

"After discussions and taking into account the reactions from the CEC, I will resign as transport minister, while the rest will remain in the government," he told reporters at DAP headquarters in Jalan Pudu today.

Syahredzan said Loke would step down after settling several pending matters at the ministry.

"At the same time, all other DAP ministers and deputy ministers will remain in their positions to ensure political stability and prevent political opponents from gaining an advantage," he said.

He said the decision followed a three-hour CEC meeting held in response to the Pardons Board's decision yesterday. - NST