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Anthony Loke Siew Fook[a] (born 28 April 1977) is a Malaysian politician who has served as the Minister of Transport for the second term in the Unity Government administration under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim since December 2022 and previously in the Pakatan Harapan administration under former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad from May 2018 to the collapse of the PH administration in February 2020, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Seremban since May 2013, Rasah from March 2008 to May 2013 and Member of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Chennah since May 2013, Lobak from March 2004 to May 2013. He is a member of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), a component party of the PH and formerly Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalitions. He has served as the 6th Secretary-General of DAP since March 2022, 2nd Parliamentary Leader of DAP from July 2018 to March 2022 and previously as National Organising Secretary of DAP and Youth Chief of DAP or Chief of Socialist Youth (DAPSY). He was also the Leader of the Opposition of Negeri Sembilan and State Chairman of the PR of Negeri Sembilan.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Anthony Loke Siew Fook was born in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. He was educated at St. Paul's Institution and Seri Ampangan High School. He graduated from National University of Malaysia (UKM) in 2000 with a Bachelor Degree of Science (BSc) in Development Science.[1]

His grandfather, Loke Ching Fatt (Chinese: 陸禎发) is the owner of the Loke Ching Kee (Chinese: 陸禎記) restaurant where the now famous Chinese New Year dish yee sang became popular.[2][3] He presented a history book on the dish in an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz on 31 January 2020.[4]

Anthony Loke is a Buddhist.[5]

Political career

[edit]

In 1994, Loke joined DAP at the age of 17, the minimum age requirement of a DAP member.

In the 2004 Negeri Sembilan state election, Loke made his electoral debut after being nominated by DAP to contest for the Lobak state seat. He won the seat and was elected to the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly as the Lobak MLA for the first term. He retained his seat and was reelected to a second term in the 2008 state election.

In the 2008 general election, Loke was also elected to the Parliament as the Rasah MP.

In the 2013 general and state election, he switched seats at both state and federal levels, contesting and winning Chennah in the legislative assembly and Seremban in the parliament.

Loke apologised to Mahathir after over 40 billboards featuring the latter have to be covered under orders from Election Commission of Malaysia.[6]

Loke defended both his Parliament (Seremban) and State (Chennah) seats in 2018 election (GE14) by defeating MCA's candidates, Chong Sin Woon (Parliament) and Seet Tee Gee (State) with a majority of 30,694 votes and 1,115 votes respectively.[7][8]

Following the 2018 general election, Mahathir was appointed as the Prime Minister to lead the PH government. On 21 May 2018, Loke was appointed as the Minister of Transport.[9][10] On 24 February 2020, Loke was removed as the Minister of Transport after the PH was ousted from power in the 2020 political crisis.

On 20 March 2022 in the 17th DAP National Congress, Loke was reelected into the Central Executive Committee with 1625 votes, the 3rd highest vote, after Gobind Singh Deo who was reappointed as the National Deputy Chairman and Chow Kon Yeow who was reappointed as a National Vice Chairman. He was then appointed as the 6th Secretary-General of the party, replacing Lim Guan Eng who held the office for 17 years.[11][12]

Loke again defended his Seremban federal seat in the 2022 general election. Subsequently, PH Chairman Anwar Ibrahim was appointed as Prime Minister, leading a coalition government of PH, Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and other parties. On 3 December 2022, Anwar reappointed Loke as the Minister of Transport after almost 3 years.

During his second term in the role, Loke introduced many policies to digitalise the transport system.

In the 2023 Negeri Sembilan state election, Loke was reelected as the Chennah MLA for the third term after defeating PN candidate.

On 16 March 2025 in the 18th DAP National Congress, Loke was reelected into the Central Executive Committee with 2,508 votes, the 5th highest vote and was reappointed as the Secretary-General of the party.

Controversies and issues

[edit]

In February 2019, Loke's wife sat next to him during an official meeting with his Chinese counterpart, sparking controversy. Tee Ching Seng, the head of MCA's international communication and diplomacy bureau, questioned why Loke's wife was present at the official meeting.[13]

Election results

[edit]
Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly[14][15][16][17][18][19][20]
Year Constituency Candidate Votes Pct Opponent(s) Votes Pct Ballots cast Majority Turnout
2004 N11 Lobak Loke Siew Fook (DAP) 5,991 59.08% Khoo Seng Hock (MCA) 4,149 40.98% 10,338 1,842 70.87%
2008 Loke Siew Fook (DAP) 9,244 80.00% Siow Koi Loon (MCA) 2,316 20.00% 11,714 6,928 77.26%
2013 N01 Chennah Loke Siew Fook (DAP) 5,128 55.99% Siow Foo Wen (MCA) 4,030 44.01% 9,372 1,098 83.75%
2018 Loke Siew Fook (DAP) 5,031 50.91% Seet Tee Gee (MCA) 3,876 39.22% 10,051 1,155 82.94%
Jamalus Mansor (PAS) 975 9.87%
2023 Loke Siew Fook (DAP) 5,888 61.49% Rosmadi Arif (BERSATU) 3,688 38.51% 9,576 2,200 65.80%
Parliament of Malaysia[14][15][16][17][18][19][20]
Year Constituency Candidate Votes Pct Opponent(s) Votes Pct Ballots cast Majority Turnout
2008 P130 Rasah Loke Siew Fook (DAP) 34,271 61.87% Yeow Chai Thiam (MCA) 21,120 38.13% 56,654 13,151 78.56%
2013 P128 Seremban Loke Siew Fook (DAP) 45,628 53.12% Yeow Chai Thiam (MCA) 33,075 38.52% 87,617 12,553 85.64%
Abd Halim Abdullah (BERJASA) 6,866 8.00%
John Fernandez (IND) 221 0.26%
Bujang Abu (IND) 83 0.10%
2018 Loke Siew Fook (DAP) 55,503 60.45% Chong Sin Woon (MCA) 24,809 27.02% 93,254 30,694 84.65%
Shariffuddin Ahmad (PAS) 11,506 12.53%
2022 Loke Siew Fook (DAP) 63,920 51.85% Mohd Fadli Che Me (PAS) 33,076 26.83% 124,729 30,844 79.32%
Wong Yin Ting (MCA) 24,584 19.94%
Mohamad Jani Ismail (PEJUANG) 1,336 1.08%
Izat Lesly (IND) 373 0.30%

Honours

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Honours of Malaysia

[edit]

References

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Notes

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Anthony Loke

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Anthony Loke Siew Fook is a Malaysian serving as the Minister of Transport in the Unity Government under Prime Minister . He holds the position of Secretary-General of the (DAP), a centre-left party within the coalition, and represents the parliamentary constituency in the . Born on 28 April 1977 in , , Loke entered politics with DAP, securing his parliamentary seat in 2008 and ascending through party ranks to become National Vice-Chairman before assuming the Secretary-General role in 2022. His tenure as Transport Minister, first from 2018 to 2020 and resumed in 2022, emphasizes enhancements to public transit systems, including increased LRT service frequencies and KTMB operations, alongside regulatory reforms. Loke advocates for in transport administration, notably implementing online bidding for vehicle registration plates to curb and improve efficiency. He has also prioritized competitiveness and against overloaded vehicles to bolster road safety and infrastructure longevity. Within DAP, he navigates the party's role in multi-ethnic coalition politics, addressing community concerns amid Malaysia's polarized landscape.

Personal background

Early life and family

Anthony Loke Siew Fook was born on 28 April 1977 in , , . Loke's paternal grandfather, Loke Ching Fatt, emigrated from to Malaya in the 1920s and established a business named Loke Ching Kee in , where he popularized the raw fish salad dish known as yee sang (originally called Sup Kum Yee Sang), creating over 30 recipes for it during the 1960s amid economic hardship following racial riots. The recipe was passed down to Loke's father, Loke Chee Chow, who opened a in 1974 that continued serving the dish and attracted long queues of customers. Loke grew up assisting in the bustling environment, an experience he has described as key to developing his interpersonal and service-oriented skills from a young age.

Education and early professional career

Loke was born on 28 April 1967 in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, and received his early education in Malay-medium primary and secondary schools in the area. He later pursued higher education at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, graduating in 2000 with a degree in Development Science. Prior to entering formal politics, Loke assisted in his family's restaurant business in Seremban, an experience that contributed to his development of interpersonal and customer-facing skills. He joined the Democratic Action Party (DAP) in 1994 at age 17, initially as an ordinary member, and quickly became active in the party's youth wing. By the early 2000s, he had risen to leadership roles within the Negri Sembilan DAP branch, serving as its chairman from 2004 onward, while organizing party activities and campaigns. This period marked the foundation of his political engagement, bridging his post-university years and his first electoral success as a state assemblyman for Lobak in 2004.

Political career

Entry into the Democratic Action Party

Anthony Loke Siew Fook joined the (DAP) in 1994 at the age of 17, the minimum age required for party membership. His political interest had developed during , influenced by the party's reputation for advocating fairness and defending marginalized groups. Loke cited disillusionment with the (MCA), which he perceived as overly focused on business elites—"like a taukeh party"—as a key factor in choosing DAP over other options. Initially entering as an ordinary member, Loke quickly engaged in grassroots activities in , his home state. He progressed to leadership roles within the party's , serving as DAP chief for the state, which positioned him for broader organizational responsibilities. This early involvement laid the foundation for his ascent, including appointment as DAP's director of political education from 2004 to 2007 following the party's gains in the 2004 general election.

Parliamentary representation

Anthony Loke entered the as the for Rasah (P130) in the 2008 general election, defeating the incumbent and securing the seat for the . He held the Rasah constituency through the 12th Parliament until the dissolution prior to the 2013 general election. In the 2013 general election, Loke switched to the adjacent constituency (P128), which he won under the banner, beginning his representation of that seat in the 13th . He retained in the 2018 general election as part of , achieving a majority of over 22,000 votes against the challenger, and defended it again in the 2022 general election with a reduced but still substantial margin of approximately 13,000 votes amid a competitive national landscape. As of October 2025, Loke continues to serve as the MP for in the 15th , seated at position A-4.

Rise to party leadership

Anthony Loke's progression within the (DAP) gained momentum after the 2008 general election, where he secured parliamentary representation for Rasah. By 2012, he advanced to the role of national organising secretary, overseeing party operations, election strategies, and grassroots mobilization across . In the wake of Pakatan Harapan's 2018 electoral triumph, Loke assumed the position of DAP parliamentary leader on July 11, 2018, stepping in as faced corruption charges that sidelined the latter from active parliamentary duties. This role amplified Loke's influence, positioning him as the party's primary voice in legislative debates and negotiations within the . Loke's elevation to secretary-general occurred at the DAP's 17th National Congress on March 20, 2022, in , where he topped the Central Executive Committee (CEC) poll with 1,625 votes out of approximately 2,000 cast by delegates. He succeeded , whose 18-year incumbency ended under the party's three-term limit, marking a generational shift while maintaining continuity in DAP's opposition-to-government transition. Loke's selection reflected his administrative experience and coalition-building acumen, honed during his ministerial tenure and parliamentary leadership. Loke secured a second term as secretary-general on March 16, 2025, at the subsequent congress, retaining CEC dominance amid factional dynamics that saw transition to party adviser. This re-election, supported by allies securing key CEC seats, underscored Loke's consolidation of authority in steering DAP's multiracial outreach and internal reforms.

Ministerial tenure

First term as Minister of Transport (2018–2020)

Anthony Loke was sworn in as Minister of Transport on 21 May 2018, shortly after the coalition's victory in the 9 May , replacing the previous administration's appointee. In his early tenure, Loke initiated comprehensive reviews of inherited mega transport projects to address concerns over cost overruns and rushed approvals under the prior government, including rail initiatives like the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which underwent renegotiation in 2018 to reduce scope and expenses while preserving key alignments. These efforts aimed to align projects with fiscal prudence amid the 1MDB scandal's revelations, though some developments faced suspensions or deferrals, drawing criticism from opposition parties for potentially hindering connectivity. Loke prioritized public rail improvements, overseeing the RM8.9 billion Gemas-Johor Baru double-tracking project set for completion by October 2021, and addressing Berhad's (KTM) RM1.22 billion capital deficiency from 2017 through efficiency drives, noting the profitability of its Electric Train Service operations. To gain direct insights into commuter challenges, he conducted unannounced "undercover" inspections of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and systems during peak hours, experiencing overcrowding and discomfort firsthand, which informed subsequent discussions with operators like Prasarana—whose accumulated losses stood at RM10.79 billion in 2017—to boost ridership and maintenance. Negotiations for the Johor-Singapore System (RTS) Link advanced, with extensions granted to September 2019 to revise fares (targeting affordability below the initial RM15 one-way) and construction costs. In aviation, Loke pursued reclaiming control of Malaysia's southern Johor airspace, delegated to Singapore since 1994, announcing the intent on 4 December 2018 amid disputes over Singapore's Seletar Airport instrument landing system (ILS) procedures encroaching on Malaysian zones. This escalated into a bilateral standoff, with Malaysia protesting low-flying commercial routes and restricted areas, but culminated in a 5 April 2019 agreement where Singapore suspended Seletar ILS operations in exchange for Malaysia opening a designated flight information region sector. Loke also streamlined port regulations by abolishing Approved Permits for car transshipment effective 1 April 2019, responding to Northport's August 2018 request to reduce bureaucracy and enhance competitiveness, while reviewing 74 related permit lists. achieved 12.32 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2018, solidifying its global ranking. His term concluded on 24 February 2020 following the collapse of the government in the Sheraton Move, after which he was replaced amid the transition to the administration.

Second term as Minister of Transport (2022–present)

Anthony Loke was reappointed as Minister of Transport on 3 December , following the formation of Anwar Ibrahim's unity government after the 15th Malaysian . In this term, Loke has prioritized improving reliability, advancing major infrastructure projects, and strengthening road safety enforcement through digitalization and regulatory reforms. Key efforts in public transport include enhancing service frequency on the of the Transit (LRT) system and overseeing the rollout of the LRT3 project, with operations slated to commence on 1 March 2025, serving an estimated catchment of two million residents. Loke has also facilitated a 30-year agreement with for 62 new sets to bolster rail capacity, alongside plans for 300 demand-responsive transit vans under Berhad. The redevelopment of is set to begin in early 2025 to integrate multimodal connectivity. For , the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project under his oversight targets completion by December 2026, with operations starting in January 2027 to enhance freight and passenger movement along the east coast. On road safety, Loke has driven of Road Transport Department (JPJ) services and of nationwide procedures for traffic offences to ensure uniformity and efficiency. Enforcement against overloaded heavy vehicles has intensified, with proposals for a "three strikes" leading to of repeat-offending companies and amendments to hold the entire —including cargo owners—accountable. Real-time monitoring of heavy vehicles via a digitized system is planned for by 2027, alongside public encouragement to report speeding commercial vehicles through photographic evidence. These measures align with the Road Safety Plan 2022-2030, which aims for a 50% reduction in road fatalities by 2030. Loke has conditioned the introduction of urban congestion charges on first achieving reliable public transit networks, reflecting a sequenced approach to traffic management. For cross-border connectivity, deliberations continue on reviving the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail project, with no final decision as of October 2025. Overall, public transport modal share remains at approximately 20%, underscoring ongoing challenges in shifting reliance from private vehicles.

Policy initiatives and achievements

Infrastructure and connectivity projects

During his second term as Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke has overseen advancements in several rail-based projects aimed at improving inter-urban and regional connectivity across . These initiatives focus on expanding electrified rail networks, integrating hubs, and preparing for high-speed links, with an emphasis on timely completion and involvement where feasible. The Transit 3 (LRT3) , a 37.8 km elevated rail system connecting to Klang and with interchanges to existing LRT and MRT lines, reached 99.21% completion as of July 10, 2025, at a total cost of RM21.93 billion. Originally slated for September 30, 2025, operations were deferred to the end of 2025 to allow for additional testing and commissioning of systems, including 21 stations, 27 train sets, and an expanded Johan Setia depot. This project enhances urban connectivity in by serving over 530,000 daily passengers and integrating with feeder buses. The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a 665 km dual-track linking on the west coast to in , achieved 87% overall progress by August 2025, with completion targeted for December 2026 and operations commencing in January 2027. Costing approximately RM50 billion, the includes 20 stations and tunnels, facilitating freight and passenger services to boost economic connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia's east and west coasts; Loke has emphasized resolution of land issues in segments like to maintain momentum. A December 2024 agreement with Communications Construction Engineering Co. Ltd. ensures joint operation and maintenance, with equal cost-sharing and technology transfer, including training for Malaysian personnel starting May 2025. Proposals for extensions to via Rantau Panjang are under feasibility review. Expansion of the Electric Train Service (ETS) to , part of the network, remains on track for completion by the end of , extending services southward to enhance Peninsular Malaysia's north-south rail spine. Complementing this, the RM307 million Terminal Bersepadu Gombak, launched in September , integrates bus and rail services as a major northern gateway to , improving multimodal connectivity. Planning for the (HSR), a proposed 350 km line with speeds up to 350 km/h, continues under Loke's oversight, with no final development model decided as of October 2025; the government prioritizes private sector-led funding without direct government equity, following bilateral talks and invitations for proposals since 2023. This project aims to reduce time between capitals to 90 minutes, fostering cross-border economic links, though domestic rail completions take precedence.

Safety and regulatory measures

In response to persistent fatalities, particularly involving heavy , Transport Minister Anthony Loke mandated the installation of speed-limitation devices (SLD) on all heavy commercial vehicles starting 2025, capping speeds at 90 km/h to mitigate high-speed crashes. This followed a series of deadly incidents, including a December 2024 five-vehicle pile-up in that killed 11, prompting Loke to establish a dedicated in January 2025 to enforce heavy vehicle safety standards across agencies like the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and police. Loke intensified enforcement against overloaded commercial vehicles, which contribute significantly to accidents, launching a nationwide "war" operation in October 2025 that suspended over 500 licenses in the first week alone through random inspections and stricter compliance checks. Complementary measures included a broader enforcement drive targeting high-risk behaviors, alongside initiatives addressing driver fatigue and via health monitoring for commercial operators. In May 2025, Loke allocated 50% of fines from the Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) to fund road safety upgrades, such as LED solar streetlights in black spots and enhancements along highways like the East-West route to reduce wildlife-related collisions. These efforts align with the National Road Safety Plan 2022-2030, targeting a 50% reduction in fatalities by 2030. In aviation, Loke directed the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) in September 2025 to develop a regulatory framework for the low-altitude economy, encompassing drones, air taxis, and , emphasizing safety standards, management, and operator certification to balance innovation with risk mitigation. He also pledged to simplify outdated aviation rules, including process reviews to cut while upholding safety oversight, and advanced plans for a Malaysian Transportation Safety Board to investigate major incidents across modes. In August 2025, Loke proposed elevating the driving profession through enhanced training and considering a dedicated board for probing severe road crashes, signaling a push toward institutionalized .

Controversies and criticisms

Handling of transport accidents

On September 28, 2025, a three-tonne lorry suffered failure at the Bukit toll plaza, crashing into three stationary vehicles and killing a one-year-old ejected from his parents' car; Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the was not secured in a child restraint system, suggesting its use could have prevented the fatality. This remark drew widespread online criticism for perceived victim-blaming, with netizens accusing Loke of insensitivity and deflecting from the lorry's mechanical failure and the driver's actions, who had jumped from the vehicle prior to impact. Loke maintained his position amid the backlash, urging parents to prioritize child seats despite condemnation and emphasizing road safety data showing 2,880 child-involved crashes earlier that year, many linked to improper restraints. In response to a June 2025 express bus crash near Gerik that killed 15 people, primarily students, Loke's public statements faced scrutiny on social media for inadequate emphasis on systemic enforcement failures, such as the driver's record of 18 prior summonses and recurring bus safety lapses; critics argued his ministry had not sufficiently addressed operator accountability or vehicle maintenance standards despite prior incidents. The incident highlighted ongoing issues with tour bus operators, prompting Loke to later announce stricter measures, including transferring oversight to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, though detractors viewed this as reactive rather than proactive governance. Throughout 2024 and into 2025, a series of lorry accidents involving overloaded or poorly maintained heavy vehicles drew criticism toward Loke for prioritizing non-safety initiatives, such as special license plate auctions, over rigorous inspections; by December 2024, users highlighted over 10 major incidents in the year's first 10 months, questioning the ministry's enforcement efficacy. In October 2025, following multiple crashes, Loke declared an "all-out war" on overloading with intensified operations by the Road Transport Department, but opponents contended this came after prolonged delays in addressing complacency among operators. These responses underscored tensions between Loke's advocacy for personal responsibility in safety and public demands for stricter regulatory oversight to prevent accidents at their root causes.

Public statements and political decisions

In September 2025, following a fatal accident at the toll plaza where a one-year-old boy died after being thrown from a during a collision with a lorry, Transport Minister Anthony Loke emphasized the importance of using child safety seats, stating that parents should ensure children are secured in them regardless of circumstances. Critics, including public commentators, accused Loke of insensitivity and victim-blaming the parents, arguing that his remarks shifted focus from the lorry's alleged mechanical brake failure to parental . Loke defended his position, asserting, "You can criticise me, you can condemn me, but please don't forget, if there are children in the , do make sure to use a child seat for their safety," while maintaining that road safety education remained a priority amid the backlash. In July 2025, Loke dismissed concerns raised by the , a component party, regarding transport policies, stating he "couldn't be bothered" with their views and saw no need to entertain them further. This remark drew criticism for displaying contempt toward coalition partners and opposition voices, with observers arguing it undermined in Malaysia's unity government framework. Loke's August 2025 comments on controversies involving incorrectly displayed national flags urged the public to "don't be a bully" and leave enforcement to police rather than engaging in , amid heated online debates over perceived disrespect to symbols during national events. Detractors viewed the statement as downplaying national pride issues and promoting leniency, potentially eroding public accountability for symbolic protocols. In October 2024, Loke rejected an apology from former Prime Minister regarding the 2009 death of , a DAP political aide, during custody at the , declaring that "the apology does not mean anything" to him or the family. This stance reinforced DAP's long-standing criticism of the incident as a symbol of institutional overreach but was seen by some as prolonging partisan divisions without advancing closure.

Allegations of policy shortcomings

Critics have alleged that Anthony Loke's transport policies have inadequately prioritized road safety enforcement, particularly for heavy vehicles, amid a series of lorry accidents in late 2024 and 2025. For instance, only 27% of heavy vehicles complied with mandatory verifications by September 2025, prompting accusations that the Ministry of Transport under Loke focused more on revenue-generating activities like special licence plate sales than on preventive measures against overloading and speeding. These shortcomings were highlighted in public discourse following multiple fatal incidents, including a September 2025 crash where mechanical failures and victim behavior were debated, with some attributing systemic regulatory lapses to ministerial oversight. Loke himself conceded the failure of the Kejara electronic demerit point system in June 2025, describing it as ineffective in curbing violations and announcing a comprehensive overhaul to address its design flaws, which had resulted in inconsistent enforcement since its implementation. Opponents argued this admission underscored broader policy deficiencies in integrating with on-ground policing, contributing to persistent high road fatality rates, such as 2,880 crashes involving children in 2025, many linked to non-compliance with and restraint requirements. Allegations of neglect in infrastructure maintenance surfaced prominently with repeated KLIA aerotrain breakdowns, with at least five failures reported between and September 2025 after its reintroduction, leading to demands for Loke's resignation or immediate reforms due to perceived lack of strategic oversight and in operations. Similar concerns extended to other aviation and rail services, including the Move & Serve (MAS) ticketing system, where delays in addressing safety vulnerabilities drew criticism for endangering passengers through inadequate regulatory response. Additional claims pointed to policy misprioritization, such as insufficient action on toll plaza safety following a 2025 tragedy, where Loke's responses were labeled tone-deaf for evading ministerial responsibility in favor of operator blame, exacerbating public distrust in transport governance. These allegations, often voiced by opposition figures and transport stakeholders, contrasted with defenses attributing persistent issues to inherited systemic failures from prior administrations, though empirical data on accident trends under Loke's tenure fueled debates over causal policy impacts.

Electoral history

Parliamentary elections

Anthony Loke first contested and won a parliamentary seat in the 12th Malaysian held on 8 March 2008, capturing the Rasah constituency for the (DAP) from the incumbent candidate. This victory marked his entry into federal politics, following his prior success in state assembly elections. In the 13th on 5 May 2013, Loke switched to the constituency, defeating Barisan Nasional's Yeow Chai Thiam and independents to secure a of 12,553 votes. He defended the seat in the 14th on 9 May 2018 against challengers including MCA's Chong Sin Woon, winning with a significantly increased of 30,694 votes amid Pakatan Harapan's national sweep. Loke retained Seremban in the 15th general election on 19 November 2022, polling 63,916 votes to defeat Perikatan Nasional's Fadli Che Me (33,075 votes), Barisan Nasional's Felicia Wong (24,584 votes), and Pejuang's Mohamad Jani, resulting in a majority of 30,841 votes.
ElectionDateConstituencyPartyVotesMajorityOpponent(s)
20088 MarchRasahDAPN/AN/ABarisan Nasional incumbent
20135 MaySerembanDAPN/A12,553Yeow Chai Thiam (BN), independents
20189 MaySerembanDAP (Pakatan Harapan)N/A30,694Chong Sin Woon (BN/MCA), others
202219 NovemberSerembanDAP (Pakatan Harapan)63,91630,841Fadli Che Me (PN), Felicia Wong (BN), Mohamad Jani (Pejuang)

DAP internal elections

Anthony Loke was elected as the Secretary-General of the (DAP) on March 20, 2022, during the party's 17th National Congress in , succeeding who had reached term limits under the party constitution. Loke, previously the party's National Organising Secretary, secured a position on the 20-member Central Executive Committee (CEC) with 1,625 votes, positioning him to assume the secretary-general role as decided by the committee. This election marked a leadership transition within DAP, with elevated to national chairman amid the party's post-2022 realignment in the unity government. Loke was re-elected to the CEC on , 2025, at the 18th National Congress, also in , ensuring his continuation as secretary-general for a second term. In this poll, was appointed chairman, while former chairman , who received sufficient votes for a CEC seat but ranked 26th, transitioned to an advisory role. The 2025 results reflected Loke's influence in steering a partial generational shift, retaining veteran alignment while elevating figures like Gobind, though analysts noted persistent dominance by established leaders close to Loke. These internal elections underscored Loke's role in maintaining DAP's operational continuity amid coalition governance, with no reported challenges to his secretary-general candidacy in either cycle. Party sources emphasized that the outcomes did not disrupt ministerial positions held by DAP members, prioritizing stability over factional upheaval.

Honours and recognition

National awards

Anthony Loke has declined conferments of national honours that include titles, aligning with the Democratic Action Party's longstanding policy barring its elected representatives from accepting such awards from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultans, or state governors during their tenure. Loke personally confirmed rejecting such a title from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and insists on being addressed simply as "Encik Loke" rather than "Datuk" or similar. In March 2025, DAP's Central Executive Committee initiated a review of the after 17 years, aiming to relax conditions for members to receive awards or titles under specific circumstances, though Loke indicated he would continue forgoing them personally.

References

  1. https://www.mot.gov.my/en/about/ministers/minister-of-mot
  2. https://dapmalaysia.org/en/our-leaders/
  3. https://www.parlimen.gov.my/profile-ahli.html?&uweb=dr&id=4167&lang=en
  4. https://politicians.my/politician/anthony-loke-siew-fook
  5. https://dapmalaysia.org/en/kerajaan-perpaduans-first-year-here-are-mots-achievements-under-anthony-loke/
  6. https://afma.org.au/malaysia-tightens-enforcement-declares-war-on-overloaded-vehicles/
  7. https://bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2366729
  8. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3325219/malaysian-society-polarised-can-overcome-challenges-anthony-loke
  9. https://www.facebook.com/DAPMalaysia/posts/-wishing-dap-secretary-general-anthony-loke-siew-fook-a-very-happy-birthday-toda/1234465721377615/
  10. https://focusmalaysia.my/anthony-loke-remembers-his-grandfather-who-invented-yee-sang/
  11. https://wargabiz.com.my/2025/01/30/meet-the-seremban-chef-who-created-yee-sang-anthony-lokes-grandpa/
  12. https://klse.i3investor.com/web/blog/detail/savemalaysia/2023-01-21-story-h-300201577-Anthony_Loke_remembers_his_grandfather_who_invented_Yee_Sang
  13. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3133680/how-anthony-lokes-family-restaurant-honed-his-political-skills-and
  14. https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/dap-anthony-loke-says-bm-005801872.html
  15. https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2022/12/857387/profile-anthony-loke-returns-familar-grounds
  16. https://worldofbuzz.com/its-like-a-taukeh-party-anthony-loke-says-he-didnt-like-mca-shares-why-he-joined-dap-at-17yo/
  17. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/06/10/anticipating-challenges-aplenty-for-ge15-daps-anthony-loke-says-ready-to-stand-his-ground-in-seremban/11549
  18. https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2022/10/842768/anthony-loke-kee-chin-defend-seremban-and-rasah-seats
  19. https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/615181
  20. https://bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2063780
  21. https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/03/20/loke-elected-new-dap-secretary-general
  22. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/03/20/anthony-loke-is-daps-new-secretary-general-replacing-guan-eng/2048486
  23. https://bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2403027
  24. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-dap-anthony-loke-central-executive-committee-lim-guan-eng-future-5005556
  25. https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/cover-story-lot-lokes-plate
  26. https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2018/05/22/full-review-of-mega-projects-including-those-rushed-through-before-ge14-say/1633526
  27. https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/back-transport-minister-anthony-loke-230000225.html
  28. http://www.mca.org.my/2/Content/SinglePage?_param1=06-012025-186702-01-202506&_param2=TS
  29. https://fulcrum.sg/undercover-ministers-in-malaysia/
  30. https://mothership.sg/2018/12/south-johor-msia-airspace-anthony-loke/
  31. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/singapore-malaysia-reach-deal-to-end-months-long-airspace-dispute-idUSKCN1RI068/
  32. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-cabinet-swearingin-anwar-ibrahim-ge15-3118861
  33. https://www.sinardaily.my/article/213378/focus/national/anthony-lokes-report-card-how-did-he-fare-the-past-year
  34. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/07/04/lrt3s-operation-expected-in-march-2025-says-transport-minister-loke/77838
  35. https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/737971
  36. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/12/1149810/states-can-initiate-transport-projects-loke-watch
  37. https://www.scoop.my/news/233000/kl-sentral-redevelopment-to-start-early-2025-loke/
  38. https://www.mrl.com.my/en/transport-minister-ecrl-to-be-completed-by-end-2026-operational-from-january-2027/
  39. https://www.facebook.com/BernamaTV/posts/the-government-will-standardise-the-rates-and-procedures-for-road-traffic-offenc/1145465701078767/
  40. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/10/15/loke-govt-drafting-law-amendment-to-make-entire-logistics-chain-accountable-for-overloaded-lorries/194702
  41. https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/10/14/3-strikes-and-companies-are-out-loke-says-on-overloaded-vehicles
  42. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/07/real-time-heavy-vehicle-monitoring-could-be-realised-by-2027-transport-minister-tells-parliament
  43. https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2025/06/26/anthony-loke-encourages-public-to-take-photos-of-speeding-buses-and-lorries/
  44. https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/09/02/transport-minister-urges-for-road-safety-improvement-across-asia/
  45. https://www.carz.com.my/2025/02/loke-congestion-charges-must-come-with-reliable-transit
  46. https://newswav.com/article/govt-still-weighing-options-for-kl-singapore-hsr-project-loke-A2510_gWzr97
  47. https://paultan.org/2025/06/05/public-transport-usage-in-malaysia-at-just-20-loke/
  48. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/08/26/transport-minister-no-delays-ets3-to-jb-and-lrt3-in-selangor-ready-by-end-2025/188955
  49. https://www.carz.com.my/2025/07/lrt3-hits-99-completion-loke
  50. https://paultan.org/2025/08/26/lrt3-shah-alam-line-opening-delay-is-confirmed-will-only-begin-operations-at-the-end-of-the-year-loke/
  51. https://technave.com/gadget/LRT3-to-launch-on-30-September--The-project-is-now-99-per-cent-finished-and-cost-RM21-93-billion-43574.html
  52. https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2469968
  53. https://www.carz.com.my/webview/2025/09/ecrl-project-hits-87-completion-by-august-2025-mot
  54. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/09/29/loke-rm307m-gombak-terminal-must-stay-world-class-beyond-pms-visit/192746
  55. https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/773159
  56. https://www.carz.com.my/webview/2025/10/govt-still-weighing-options-for-klsingapore-hsr-project-loke
  57. https://www.spanarboy.com/2025/06/17/malaysia-mandates-speed-limitation-devices-for-heavy-vehicles-starting-october-2025/
  58. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/01/06/anthony-loke-unveils-task-force-to-tackle-heavy-vehicle-road-safety-after-lethal-five-vehicle-pile-up-in-ayer-keroh/162214
  59. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/10/14/too-many-accidents-mot-jpj-declare-war-on-overloaded-commercial-vehicles/194572
  60. https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/773027
  61. https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/enforcement-drive-on-road-safety-launched-EN15097829
  62. https://www.truckandbusnews.net/driver-health-monitoring-malaysia/
  63. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/05/1215576/50pct-awas-fines-fund-road-safety-initiatives-says-loke
  64. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/05/13/govt-panel-agrees-to-funding-mechanism-for-road-safety-initiatives-says-loke
  65. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/09/17/loke-says-caam-to-regulate-emerging-low-altitude-economy-from-drones-to-air-taxis/191429
  66. https://www.nst.com.my/business/economy/2025/09/1276378/malaysia-must-craft-clear-rules-low-altitude-economy-says-loke
  67. https://maia.my/news/loke-says-aviation-industry-rules-can-be-simplified-pledges-ministry-support
  68. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/08/13/loke-transport-ministry-weighs-creating-safety-board-to-probe-major-road-accidents/187440
  69. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/09/29/kajang-toll-crash-baby-was-not-in-a-child-seat-says-loke
  70. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3327261/malaysia-outraged-minister-accused-victim-blaming-after-baby-killed-crash
  71. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/09/1284072/loke-accused-victim-blaming-over-toddlers-death-bukit-kajang-toll-crash
  72. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/09/30/condemn-me-but-use-a-child-seat-loke-adamant-on-safety-message-amid-backlash/192866
  73. https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/anthony-loke-2-880-road-011155877.html
  74. https://www.reddit.com/r/malaysia/comments/1l7ovqb/anthony_lokes_response_to_the_bus_accident_that/
  75. https://aliran.com/thinking-allowed-online/15-coffins-countless-failures-dont-blame-anthony-loke-blame-every-government-that-slept-before-him
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  77. https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/malaysia/2025/09/30/watch-anthony-loke-under-fire-for-child-seat-comments-after-fatal-toll-plaza-crash/
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  79. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/08/10/dont-be-a-bully-loke-urges-calm-over-flag-errors-says-leave-enforcement-to-police/187154
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  82. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/06/13/transport-minister-kejara-demerit-point-system-a-failure-major-overhaul-on-the-way/180210
  83. https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/09/05/transport-minister-urged-to-act-on-klia-aerotrain-failures-or-step-down/
  84. https://www.lowyat.net/2025/370087/mot-to-take-action-against-mahb-over-aerotrain-failures/
  85. https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/717105
  86. https://bebasnews.my/2025/10/04/tone-deaf-anthony-loke-missing-the-point-after-a-toll-plaza-tragedy/
  87. https://www.motorist.my/article/4919/malaysia-s-15-fatal-crashes
  88. https://bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2144591
  89. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/10/22/daps-anthony-loke-says-ready-for-bruising-electoral-battle-this-ge15video/34285
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  92. https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/malaysia/2022/11/19/ge15-live-updates-of-unofficial-results/
  93. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/16/dap-election-guan-eng-downplays-26th-place-finish-says-tonight-belongs-to-anthony-loke/169842
  94. https://www.scoop.my/opinion-analysis/250524/anthony-lokes-delicate-balancing-act-ding-lee-leong/
  95. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/18/anthony-loke-daps-cec-election-will-not-affect-partys-ministers-no-cabinet-reshuffle/169949
  96. https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/11/1134907/dap-will-discuss-policy-honorary-titles-says-loke
  97. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/10/27/im-just-an-encik-loke-says-as-he-reaffirms-daps-policy-on-titles-for-elected-reps/155000
  98. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/1126110/im-not-datuk-im-just-encik-says-daps-loke
  99. https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2402905
  100. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/1188984/loke-dap-reviewing-policy-no-titles-or-honours-its-elected-reps-updated
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