Story perspectives

DAP Anthony Loke Offers Resignation Over Najib Pardon

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 2:37 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Anthony Loke Resigns

DAP Anthony Loke offered to resign as minister in protest of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon.
He announced resignation on Sept 19 after Central Executive Committee met three hours.
Pardon lets Datuk Seri Najib Razak serve under house arrest until Aug 23 2028 and pay a RM50 million fine.
Loke will submit his resignation to Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 21.
He said the Transport Ministry will operate and DAP ministers will stay in the government.

Summary

Najib Gains Pardon

The 2024 pardon halved Najib's 12-year term and reduced earlier fines, setting a precedent.
Najib still faces a separate 15-year sentence and a $2.8 billion fine, which his lawyers are appealing.
Political scientist Syaza Shukri said the pardon benefits UMNO, boosting its confidence ahead of the next election.
UMNO’s Barisan Nasional coalition won recent state contests in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, positioning it as government-in-waiting.

History

Historical Context

On Jan 20 2001, President Bill Clinton issued 140 pardons, notably freeing fugitive trader Marc Rich, who faced $48 million in taxes and 51 counts. This mirrors earlier high-profile clemencies such as George Washington’s 1795 Whiskey Rebellion pardon and Gerald Ford’s 1974 Nixon pardon. Malaysia’s 2024 royal pardon of former prime minister Najib Razak shows the same effect.

1 of 3

Anthony Loke Resigns

DAP Anthony Loke offered to resign as minister in protest of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon.
He announced resignation on Sept 19 after Central Executive Committee met three hours.
Pardon lets Datuk Seri Najib Razak serve under house arrest until Aug 23 2028 and pay a RM50 million fine.
Loke will submit his resignation to Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 21.
He said the Transport Ministry will operate and DAP ministers will stay in the government.

1 / 3