PUTRAJAYA: Political differences should not hinder cooperation in serving the people, said Deputy Transport Minister, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, as he acknowledged Anthony Loke’s leadership at the Transport Ministry.
Hasbi said their cooperation throughout their time working together showed that political differences should not hinder them from carrying out their responsibilities.
He said they shared the same goal of developing the country and ensuring that the ministry’s policies and plans benefited the people.
“I told the people in Limbang (his constituency) that although we come from different backgrounds and political parties, our cooperation has truly delivered the best achievements for the ministry and our country.
“Although our parties are different, our main mission is the same, to get the work done,” he said during the Transport Ministry’s monthly assembly today.
He said their focus on responsibilities and the people’s interests had enabled them to work together without allowing political differences to become an obstacle.
Hasbi said he personally considered the opportunity to serve alongside Loke an honour, describing the former transport minister as a leader who had given him the trust and room to share his views.
He also praised Loke’s firmness in upholding principles, making sound decisions and maintaining a commitment to clear governance.
Meanwhile, Hasbi expressed hope that Loke would reconsider his decision to relinquish the post, saying there were still many ministry agendas that needed to be carried out.
He said he had personally conveyed his wish to Loke after being informed of the decision and had openly urged him to reconsider.
“Honestly, I told him, ‘YB (Yang Berhormat), come on, I hope you change your mind’.
“I told him there is still a lot of work to be done,” he said.
Loke had submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 28 following the Pardons Board’s decision allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
His resignation took immediate effect once Najib arrived at his residence to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.