KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he had not accepted Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s resignation and would take time to review the matter, despite receiving a letter stating that it was effective immediately.
Loke, who is also secretary-general of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), reiterated his decision to resign on Nov 12 after the High Court ruled on Nov 10 that former Prime Minister Najib Razak could serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
Anwar said the government did not need to rush a decision and that he would consider the resignation carefully. Loke said all 40 DAP MPs, including himself, continued to support Anwar and stressed that his resignation did not indicate any divisions within the government.
Anwar also said the Cabinet meeting following the Melaka state election proceeded as usual, with ministers discussing public development and facilities, while Loke was absent due to his resignation.