KUALA LUMPUR — Anthony Loke, secretary-general of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), has offered to resign from his position as Malaysia’s Transport Minister in response to the conditional pardon granted to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Loke’s announcement came following a three-hour meeting at DAP headquarters, with the party aiming to balance political accountability and national stability.
Loke stated that while he would step down to express the party’s disapproval of the pardon, other DAP ministers would remain in the Cabinet to prevent destabilizing the federal government. “Ministers come and go, but the ministry will continue to function,” he explained, adding that ongoing projects would proceed as usual. Among DAP’s other Cabinet members are Gobind Singh Deo (Digital Minister), Hannah Yeoh (Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Federal Territories), Steven Sim (Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister), and Nga Kor Ming (Housing and Local Government Minister).
The conditional pardon allowed Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, on the condition he pay a RM50 million fine. Najib, 73, began his sentence on August 23, 2022, at Kajang Prison following his conviction for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International. In January 2024, his jail term was halved from 12 to six years, and the fine reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million. Najib was also convicted on 25 charges related to the 1MDB scandal, which remains under appeal.
DAP leaders have expressed respect for the constitutional prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in granting pardons, despite disagreement over this particular case. Loke acknowledged there was no precedent in Malaysia for a convicted individual in a corruption case being placed under house arrest but affirmed the King’s authority in the matter.
Within Pakatan Harapan, the coalition that includes DAP, the decision has stirred significant unease. Party members described the pardon as a “nightmare” that contrasts with the enthusiasm of Umno supporters, who welcomed the move as a favorable outcome. Some DAP figures indicated that Hannah Yeoh, who opposes the pardon and sits on the Federal Territories Pardons Board, might consider resigning, though the party has urged caution.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reportedly urged DAP ministers to remain in government to maintain coalition stability and emphasized that any Cabinet resignations should be a collective decision. The pardon has reignited criticism of the administration, with voices both within and outside Pakatan highlighting the political fallout.
Analysts and insiders note that while dissent within DAP is understandable, resigning over a decision ultimately made by the King could have unintended political consequences, including alienating Malaysian Malays and challenging government cohesion during sensitive times. The episode reflects the complex challenges faced by Pakatan Harapan as it navigates lingering tensions from the 1MDB scandal and its aftermath.