PKR’s Hassan Karim urges Anwar to retain Anthony Loke ahead of major transport projects

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim expressed concern that Loke’s resignation could jeopardise ongoing projects, including those in Johor. — Picture by Ben Tan

By Ben Tan

First Published: Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026 4:23 PM MYT

PASIR GUDANG, Sept 22 — Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim has called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to persuade Anthony Loke to remain as transport minister to ensure the completion of several key infrastructure projects, including those in Johor.

The PKR lawmaker expressed concern that Loke’s resignation could jeopardise ongoing projects, including those in Johor.

“These include projects such as the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), the proposed Pasir Gudang railway line, and the rapid transit system, which have yet to be fully implemented.

“However, Anwar should first hear out Loke’s reasons before deciding to accept his offer to resign.

“I hope the prime minister takes my view into consideration and persuades Loke to stay. We are drawing closer to the general election and Loke is an asset to the government and the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition,” he told reporters after a dialogue session between transport operators and businesspeople, with officials from the Johor chapter of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) at Lepak Corner here today.

Hassan said his remarks were based on precedents where national leaders had been known to reject the resignation of members of their administration, including during the federal government of the first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.

“This demonstrates that a resignation need not necessarily be accepted, particularly when the services of a minister or administration member are still deemed essential,” he said, citing the recent example of Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh rejecting the resignation of Datuk Muhamad Akmal Saleh as a state executive councillor.

On a personal level, Hassan described Loke’s decision to offer his resignation following the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as a responsible move.

However, the social activist noted that the final decision on whether Loke should leave the Cabinet rests with the prime minister.

“Anwar gave his assurance and has indicated he would listen to the outgoing transport minister’s reasons before deciding,” he said.