KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke today defended his ministry’s engagement with the Johor government, citing several transport-related events attended by Johor caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi as he renewed his invitation for the latter to join Tuesday’s KTM Komuter Selatan launch.

The DAP secretary-general’s response came after Onn Hafiz said he had yet to receive a formal invitation to the event despite being “touched” by Loke’s public invitation to ride the train service together.

In a Facebook post, Loke thanked the Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman for his lengthy response and for accepting the invitation.

“Thank you YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz for such a detailed response and for your willingness to accept my invitation to ride the KTM Komuter Selatan,” he wrote.

Loke then listed several Ministry of Transport (MOT) programmes that Onn Hafiz had attended personally.

These included the RTS Link ceremony witnessed by the prime ministers of Malaysia and Singapore on January 11, 2024; the arrival of the first RTS Link train in Singapore on June 30, 2025; the special launch of the ETS3 service and official opening of the KTM Kluang station on August 23, 2025; and the completion ceremony for the Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double Track Project, as well as the launch of ETS services to Johor Baru, on December 11, 2025.

Loke also noted that representatives from the Johor government had attended several other MOT programmes, including the signing ceremony for the Kluang Heritage Railway Linear Park project on September 7, 2023, a working visit to the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex on January 11, 2024, and the reopening of the Pasir Gudang-Kempas Baru railway line on May 9, 2025.

However, he pointed out that no representative from the Johor government had attended the launch of the MyLesenB2 programme for school students in Johor Baru on May 11 this year.

“I understand election season is indeed busy. Perhaps some things were forgotten,” Loke wrote.

He added that there was a distinction between official functions and working visits.

“If it is merely one of my working visits, I do not wish to take up the menteri besar’s valuable time,” he said.

Loke said a formal invitation letter would be sent to Onn Hafiz and reiterated that the Johor menteri besar would be given an opportunity to speak at the event.

“However, the invitation letter will arrive as soon as possible. See you in Kulai on Tuesday,” he wrote.

In a postscript, Loke referred to a March 3 “dry run” of the Komuter Selatan service involving Johor’s transport exco.

“Johor’s transport exco had already boarded the train for a ‘dry run’ of the Komuter Selatan, even though the service had not been finalised at the time.

“The MOT was not informed either, but I did not make a fuss about it,” he said.

Yesterday, Onn Hafiz said he had yet to receive a formal invitation to Tuesday’s launch despite Loke’s public invitation.

The Johor menteri besar also said the state government had not been invited to several previous transport-related programmes in the state, including working visits involving the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex and the ETS Segamat project.

The exchange comes ahead of the Johor state election, where BN and Pakatan Harapan are expected to contest against each other despite remaining partners in the federal unity government.

The invitation itself followed remarks by Onn Hafiz that he would rather relinquish the Johor menteri besar post than sit at the same table with DAP.

In response, Loke had said DAP had never regarded anyone as an enemy and remained open to working with different political parties, before inviting Onn Hafiz to join him on the KTM Komuter Selatan journey from Kulai to Johor Baru.

Johor goes to the polls on July 11, with nomination day set for June 27 and early voting scheduled for July 7.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — DAP is set to expand its footprint in the upcoming Johor state election, fielding candidates in 17 seats, an increase from the 14 it contested in the 2022 polls.

Party secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook confirmed the figure today, noting that the party’s strategy involves a three-pronged approach: defending its 10 incumbent seats, reclaiming the four it lost in the previous cycle, and venturing into three additional constituencies.

“I can safely say that DAP will be contesting 17 seats in the coming state election in Johor,” Loke was quoted as saying in a Free Malaysia Today report.

The expansion comes as the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition successfully concluded its seat-sharing negotiations, shifting its focus toward election machinery and ground preparations.

While Loke noted that one final seat was subject to minor adjustments between PKR and Amanah, he expressed confidence that the arrangement would be fully settled within 48 hours.

In the 2022 state election, DAP emerged as the coalition’s strongest performer in Johor, successfully defending 10 seats.

However, it suffered narrow defeats in four traditional strongholds of Bekok, Yong Peng, Paloh, and Pekan Nanas, which were captured by MCA.

Currently, DAP holds the lion’s share of the opposition’s presence in the Johor state assembly, with coalition partners PKR and Amanah holding only one seat each.

The move to contest three new seats suggests a strategic attempt by PH to make inroads into areas previously considered Barisan Nasional (BN) or Perikatan Nasional (PN) territory.

PUTRAJAYA, June 4 — The government is turning to retired military personnel to help address labour shortages in the transport sector, including as lorry and bus drivers as well as skilled workers in the aviation maintenance industry, under a new collaboration between the Transport Ministry (MOT) and Defence Ministry (Mindef).

Speaking at the signing of a strategic Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) cooperation agreement between the two ministries today, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said agencies and companies under MOT had committed to offering 3,208 job opportunities in the ports, logistics, bus transportation and rail sectors.

“That is why agencies and companies under MOT have come forward to support this initiative by providing nearly 3,208 job opportunities in the ports, logistics, bus transportation and rail sectors,” he said in his speech.

Loke said the collaboration reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring members and veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) could continue contributing to national development after completing their military service.

He said military personnel possessed qualities highly valued by employers, including discipline, integrity and resilience, as well as experience working in environments that require strict compliance with safety standards.

At a joint press conference later with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Loke said the initiative would also help address manpower shortages across various segments of the transport industry.

“Today we are focusing on the logistics sector, truck and bus drivers, where we are facing significant shortages. We do not have enough bus and truck drivers,” he said.

“This platform can provide opportunities for them to become truck and bus drivers. There are also other sectors that urgently require manpower, such as ports.”

Loke said there was considerable overlap between the skills developed in military service and those needed in civilian transport industries.

“The skill sets that we need in the transport sector already exist among military retirees because they drive multiple heavy vehicles in the forces,” he said.

He pointed in particular to opportunities in the aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry, which he said was expanding rapidly.

“Many Air Force personnel possess aerospace MRO skill sets. In the defence sector they work on fighter jets, while in the civilian industry they can work on private jets and commercial aircraft,” he said.

Loke said growing airline fleets and increasing investment in business aviation facilities would drive demand for skilled workers in the sector.

“When there is an urgent need for skilled workers, military retirees are the quickest group that can meet that demand,” he said.

“Because they already have those skill sets.”

He added that military retirees would require only limited additional training before entering the civilian workforce.

The transport minister also announced measures to simplify the conversion of military driving licences into civilian licences, allowing former military drivers to enter the logistics industry more easily.

“Obtaining a Class E licence costs between RM4,000 and RM5,000. Under this programme, we will allow direct conversion,” he said.

Loke explained that military personnel currently hold driving licences issued under the Armed Forces system, which cannot be used after retirement.

He said those participating through the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) would be able to convert eligible military licences into civilian licences at no cost.

Khaled said the initiative was important as about 5,000 military personnel retire each year, with more than 4,000 of them aged around 40 and still capable of contributing to the workforce.

“It would be a loss if they did not work or participate in the country’s economic activities,” he said.

Khaled said many retirees still had young families to support despite receiving pensions.

“Even if they receive RM2,000, RM3,000 or RM4,000 in pension, they still have young families. They have children who need to be raised,” he said.

He added that Perhebat had shifted its approach to focus on matching military retirees with industries facing actual labour shortages.

“Previously, Perhebat provided training programmes that did not meet industry needs. Industries had vacancies in certain fields, but Perhebat was providing training in areas that were not aligned,” he said.

“Today we are bypassing that process.”

Under the programme, retiring military personnel will undergo a six-month transition period before leaving service, during which they may be attached to participating companies for training while continuing to receive their government salaries.

Khaled said the arrangement would allow retirees to secure employment immediately after retirement while continuing to receive their pensions.

“Then when they get a job, the company pays them and they also receive their pension,” he said.

As part of the initiative, Perhebat also signed memoranda of understanding with 10 transport-sector agencies, companies and industry associations, including Malaysia Rail Development Corporation, Infinity Logistics & Transport, MMC Port Holdings, Westports Malaysia and Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association, to expand training and employment opportunities for retiring and former military personnel.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke has invited Johor caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to join him on a KTM Komuter Selatan journey next week, days after the Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman said he would rather give up the state’s top job than sit at the same table with DAP.

The remarks come ahead of the Johor state election, with BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) expected to contest against one another in the state despite being partners in the federal unity government.

Speaking at the launch of PH’s election machinery in Seremban yesterday, Loke said DAP had never regarded anyone as an enemy and remained open to working with different political parties.

“If there are those who say they do not want to sit with DAP, that is fine. We do not force anyone,” said Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, as reported by Sinar Harian.

“But I would like to remind them that DAP is still part of the federal government, and I remain the transport minister.

“I would also like to inform Datuk Onn Hafiz that I will be in Johor Bahru next Tuesday to attend the launch of the KTM Komuter Selatan service.

“I would like to invite him to sit with me on the KTM Komuter Selatan from Kulai to Johor Bahru. Even though he has said he does not want to sit with DAP, that is alright. I am still extending the invitation for him to sit beside me on the train,” he added, according to the national daily.

Loke said DAP had experience working with various political parties, including PAS, for the benefit of the people and the country.

Onn Hafiz had previously said he would rather not become menteri besar than sit at the same table with DAP.

The Johor BN chairman said the position reflected the state’s political landscape, which differed from the situation at the federal level, adding that BN had never governed Johor together with DAP.

Loke also said political leaders should remain patient in managing differences of opinion.

“This is our attitude, this is our spirit. As politicians, our level of patience must be high because it is patience that will bring us victory and success,” he said.

“Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim waited patiently for more than 20 years before becoming Prime Minister.”

Election Commission chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun announced yesterday that Johor will head to the polls on July 11, with nomination day set for June 27 and early voting on July 7.

SEREMBAN, June 15 — Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar’s press secretary Ahmad Shahir Mohd Shah today apologised to the Undang Yang Empat over his use of a title associated with the Undang institution during the launch of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Negeri Sembilan election machinery on Friday.

Ahmad Shahir said that as a Negeri Sembilan native who holds the state’s customs, culture and the Undang institution in high regard, he viewed the use of the title “Dato’ Undang” seriously as it involved the sensitivities of the Adat Perpatih institution, which should be respected by all parties regardless of political affiliation.

“I would like to begin by apologising to the Undang Yang Empat for my remarks made in jest with DAP secretary-general and Seremban MP Anthony Loke, in which I referred to a title used for him on social media, namely “Tok Undang”.

“Following this lapse in judgment, I acknowledge my mistake and hope the matter will help clear up any misunderstanding that has arisen,” he said in a statement here.

He said PH remained committed to respecting and upholding the dignity of the Undang institution as a valuable heritage that forms part of Negeri Sembilan’s identity and pride. — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke has urged police to expedite investigations into the Simpang Renggam crash that killed five people, so the case can be referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers without delay, and for firm action to be taken against those responsible.

“I hope the police can speed up investigations so that the investigation papers can be referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers as soon as possible. Appropriate and firm prosecution action must be taken against those responsible,” he said.

In a statement today, Loke described the incident as a tragedy that should not have happened and extended his condolences to the victims’ families.

“This is a tragedy that should not have happened. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims over this heartbreaking loss,” he said.

He said reckless driving was entirely unacceptable and reflected a serious failure of responsibility on the road.

“Such driving behaviour is extremely irresponsible and completely unacceptable,” he said.

Loke also stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility among all road users, warning that a driving licence is not a licence to drive recklessly.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility among all road users. A driving licence is not a licence to drive recklessly and cause tragedy to innocent lives,” he said.

The crash in Simpang Renggam yesterday involved multiple vehicles and claimed five lives, including four members of a single family.

SEREMBAN, June 4 — The Negri Sembilan state assembly is expected to be dissolved tomorrow, clearing the way for snap elections as the state’s political impasse continues.

According to reporting by The Star, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun is scheduled to hold a press conference after Friday prayers, where he is widely expected to announce the dissolution. Talk of an early dissolution has circulated since the start of the week.

Sources told the newspaper that Pakatan Harapan leaders have tentatively agreed on their seat allocations:PKR is expected to contest 16 seats, DAP 11, and Amanah nine in the 36‑seat assembly.

Speculation intensified on Wednesday after Aminuddin met state ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir twice — once for a routine pre‑exco briefing and again later in the day. He also cancelled his weekly media briefing at the last minute and declined to speak to reporters.

Senior state leaders, including DAP’s Anthony Loke and Amanah’s Datuk MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman, are expected to join Aminuddin at Friday’s announcement.

The political situation has been unstable since late April, when 14 Barisan Nasional assemblymen from Umno withdrew support for Aminuddin’s administration, citing dissatisfaction over his handling of the state’s royal crisis. Although the state ruler later directed Aminuddin to continue his duties pending clarity, the unity government has remained strained.

On May 5, national leaders from Umno and Pakatan Harapan agreed to maintain the unity government framework in Negri Sembilan, but the 14 Umno assemblymen stood by their decision not to support Aminuddin.

Pakatan leaders have since said that dissolving the assembly is the most viable option to resolve the impasse.

The previous state election was held on Aug 12, 2023, with Pakatan winning 17 seats, Barisan 14 and Perikatan Nasional five.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke fired back at Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chief Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi after the latter declared he would rather resign than cooperate with DAP in forming the next Johor state government.

The exchange erupted after Onn Hafiz declared during the launch of the party’s election machinery in EduCity, Iskandar Puteri earlier today that “I would rather not hold the position of Menteri Besar than have to sit at the same table with them. This is the spirit of Johor, Bangsa Johor”. 

“You don’t want to sit at the same table with DAP…… Great! Keep up your arrogance,” Loke responded on Facebook, in a post that has since gone viral.

“But your president sits next to the DAP secretary-general every week, right… just so you know… thank you!” he added, in a pointed reminder that at the federal level, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi sits alongside DAP leaders in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet.

The war of words underscores the widening gap between federal and state political realities in Johor. 

While DAP and Umno are coalition partners in the unity government, Onn Hafiz has made clear that the arrangement does not extend to Johor.

Onn Hafiz insisted his stance was not driven by racial sentiment, as some have alleged, but rooted in Johor’s unique multiracial identity under the Bangsa Johor concept. 

He also claimed BN Johor has never sat at the same table with DAP, though he acknowledged that a previous menteri besar from Bersatu had done so.

The Johor legislative assembly was dissolved on June 1, paving the way for a state election that must be held within 60 days.

This round, BN is seeking a stronger mandate than its 2022 state election performance and has pledged to contest all 56 seats.

Onn Hafiz, who is caretaker menteri besar, has pledged to continue the Bantuan Kasih Johor assistance scheme if BN retains power.

At the time of dissolution, the division in the legislative assembly had BN holding 40 seats, followed by Pakatan Harapan (12), Perikatan Nasional (three), and Muda (one).

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — A press secretary to the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar has been urged to issue a public apology after allegedly mocking the state’s Undang Yang Empat institution by referring to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke as the “fifth Undang”.

Umno Negeri Sembilan committee member Datuk Saiful Yazan Sulaiman said it was inappropriate to turn the Undang title into a political joke, according to a Sinar Harian report.

He said he took seriously a viral video on social media showing a government officer allegedly referring to Loke as the “fifth Undang” during the Pakatan Harapan Negeri Sembilan election machinery launch recently.

“I wish to stress that the Undang title is not a subject for political jokes. It carries its own position, history and dignity within the Adat Perpatih system and the state of Negeri Sembilan,” he said in a statement on Monday.

Saiful said linking any political leader to the Undang title, even in jest or satire, was inappropriate and showed a lack of sensitivity and understanding of the state’s adat institutions.

He added that it was more disappointing as the remark came from someone within the state administration, who should have upheld respect for local customs and institutions.

He also urged the menteri besar to state his position on the matter.

“The menteri besar cannot remain silent or treat this as trivial. Failure to act will create the impression that belittling adat institutions is accepted by the state government,” he said.

Saiful stressed that the people of Negeri Sembilan would not allow the state’s customs and heritage to be disrespected for political gain.

“The adat institution does not belong to any political party. It is the dignity of Negeri Sembilan,” he said.

“The officer concerned must issue a public apology to the people of Negeri Sembilan and the Undang Yang Empat institution without excuses or delay.”

Separately, Negeri Sembilan Umno Youth chief Mohamad Fadil Md Zin described the remark as rude and disgraceful.

He said, as a state resident, the individual should have been more sensitive, especially as he holds a position within the government.

“Umno Youth strongly condemns the use of the ‘fifth Undang’ title during the PH Negeri Sembilan machinery launch.

“The adat institution is not a joke and must be respected by all. As the saying goes, ‘better to lose a child than lose adat’,” he said.