Anthony Loke says he will step down if Najib Razak returns to Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 OCTOBER 2026 —

DAP’s Anthony Loke to step down as secretary-general once Najib Razak pays RM50m fine

Kuala Lumpur — Democratic Action Party (DAP) Secretary-General Anthony Loke has announced his resignation will take effect immediately upon former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s payment of a RM50 million fine, a decision already approved by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The move follows Najib’s ongoing legal battles, with Loke stating in a statement that his resignation would be triggered once the financial penalty is settled. The DAP leader’s departure is tied directly to Najib’s compliance with court-ordered obligations, marking a rare public linkage between party leadership and the former premier’s legal status.

Loke’s statement, carried by Harian Metro, did not specify the exact date of his resignation but framed it as contingent on Najib’s payment of the RM50 million fine—an amount imposed by Malaysian courts in relation to his past financial controversies. The resignation’s timing hinges on Najib’s next legal step, with no further details provided on whether the fine remains under appeal or has been fully enforced.

The DAP’s decision underscores the party’s stance on accountability, particularly in light of Najib’s prolonged legal disputes, which have included multiple convictions and financial penalties. While Najib has maintained his innocence, the party’s leadership appears to be aligning its internal transitions with the resolution of his outstanding obligations.

For Malaysia, the resignation signals a potential shift in DAP’s political strategy, particularly as the party navigates its role in opposition amid broader coalition dynamics. The move also raises questions about Najib’s influence over party leadership, given the conditional nature of Loke’s departure. With no immediate successor named, the party’s next steps will depend on Najib’s compliance with the court-ordered fine.

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