Previously, DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke Siew Fook offered to step down as Transport Minister following the decision to grant former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak a conditional pardon.
However, he clarified that the offer only applies to his Cabinet position, while other DAP representatives will remain in the government, according to Utusan Malaysia.
Anwar urges Anthony Loke to reconsider resignation
In response, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has advised Anthony Loke to reconsider his initial decision to resign from the Cabinet.
Anwar also said DAP should not give in to pressure from parties with political interests who want the party to leave the government in an attempt to destabilise the Unity Government, as reported by Harian Metro.
He defended DAP’s position while questioning calls for the party to leave the government following Loke’s resignation offer.
“Some people are asking, why Anthony Loke? Why doesn’t the whole of DAP leave? Who is making that suggestion? Why should he leave? He has done nothing wrong. He did not propose the pardon decision; in fact, he did his best to oppose it.
“So I think DAP should not give in to pressure from those with vested interests because they want the government to be unstable. They want to find ways to weaken the government through these dirty tactics,” he said.
Anwar said he would hold further discussions with Loke soon to hear his explanation and ask him to reconsider his decision.
“I am giving him space and do not want to rush the matter because I respect his decision. He is not opposing me or the Madani Government, nor is he against cooperation within the Unity Government. He feels that it is difficult to defend the Pardons Board’s decision when his party, and Pakatan Harapan (PH) from the beginning, have taken such a firm stance on this matter,” he said.
Anwar dismisses claims of secret deal with UMNO
Anwar also said the views surrounding the matter had been conveyed to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, including Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar’s firm position during the Pardons Board meeting.
However, he reminded all parties that the Executive has limited powers under the Federal Constitution, with the final decision resting with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
On a separate note, Anwar also hit back at claims by some politicians that there had been a compromise or secret deal between him and UMNO’s leadership.
He said the government’s focus remained on governing the country wisely, maintaining political stability, preserving good relations with the Malay Rulers, and driving economic growth.
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