Loke challenges BN MPs to quit cabinet over criticism of Anwar

MELAKA: DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has challenged Barisan Nasional members of Parliament to resign from the cabinet instead of continuing to criticise the prime minister and the unity government while remaining in power.

In his first public appearance after stepping down as transport minister, Loke said those who disagreed with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership should uphold the principle of collective responsibility by relinquishing their cabinet positions.

"If you are not happy, then leave. If you disagree with the prime minister, resign. I have done so. What about you, my friend?" Loke said during a ceramah here last night.

"Every day, you voice your disagreement, while your party attacks the Prime Minister day and night, claiming that one thing or another is wrong. Yet, you remain in the government.

"Every Wednesday and Friday, you attend cabinet meetings chaired by Anwar Ibrahim. What is this all about?" he added.

Loke also questioned why those dissatisfied with the government's policies and allocation decisions continued to remain in the administration instead of leaving.

"There are parties that are dissatisfied and criticise the government every day, questioning why certain ministries are not receiving allocations and raising other issues. Why are they still in the government? Why have they not left?" he said.

The Seremban member of Parliament also urged voters in Melaka to use their ballots in the state election to send a strong message to those pressuring Anwar to dissolve Parliament and pave the way for a general election.

"Although certain quarters are putting pressure on the prime minister to dissolve Parliament, we want to remind them that the mandate remains in Anwar's hands.

"If you are unhappy, you can leave.

"Even though I have resigned as a minister, I have pledged that all DAP MPs will continue to support Anwar. He will remain as Prime Minister," he said.

Although Loke did not mention anyone by name, his remarks appeared to be directed at BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

It was previously reported that Zahid had said it would be better to dissolve Parliament and return the mandate to the people rather than reshuffle the cabinet.

The BN chairman, however, said he saw no need for a cabinet reshuffle at the moment.

Loke had earlier stepped down as transport minister with immediate effect following the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.

He said his resignation was in line with the principled stance he had previously announced.