KUALA LUMPUR – A brief health scare unfolded in the Malaysian Parliament on July 10 when Transport Minister Anthony Loke experienced breathing difficulties during Question Time.
Mr. Loke was scheduled to address a question from Subang Member of Parliament Wong Chen regarding guidelines for allowing persons with disabilities (OKU) with Class A and A1 driving licences to work as e-hailing drivers. He was also to discuss government plans to modify guidelines for OKU drivers to obtain a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence.
However, as Mr. Loke stood to respond, he appeared out of breath and struggled to deliver his initial remarks. Despite taking a short break, he continued to experience breathing issues, patting his chest several times before signaling to his deputy, Hasbi Habibollah, to take over.
Datuk Hasbi promptly advised Mr. Loke to relax, saying, “YB (Loke), calm yourself down, and I will answer this first,” using the Yang Berhormat (The Honourable) initials, a respectful address for MPs. The incident raised concerns among fellow lawmakers, with Tampin MP Mohd Isam Mohd Isa urging Mr. Loke to seek immediate medical attention. “You need to get yourself checked. It’s dangerous (for your health),” he cautioned.
Fortunately, Mr. Loke recovered sufficiently to answer supplementary questions later. He assured the Parliament that the ministry would continue to support OKU driving licence holders entering the e-hailing industry on a case-by-case basis. “So long as they obtain medical approval and proof that their disabilities would not endanger themselves, other drivers, or their passengers, we will give them an exemption to obtain a (PSV or e-hailing) licence,” he explained.
Mr. Loke also mentioned that the ministry is working on improving the application process for eligible OKU drivers to obtain these licences.