KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 — The Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (LTMB) Workers Union has appealed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to consider reappointing DAP’s Anthony Loke as transport minister.

Abdul Razak Md Hassan, the union’s president, claimed the DAP secretary-general had a sterling track record as the minister overseeing the crucial portfolio, especially regarding the welfare of KTMB workers.

“The union would like to appeal to Dato Seri as the prime minister to consider appointing DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke as transport minister,” the union said in a statement.

“The union’s endorsement is based on Anthony Loke’s track record as then transport minister from May 21, 2018 to February 24, 2020. The union believes that his reappointment would have a positive effect on public transport in general, especially in making it more efficient,” the union added.

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Such an endorsement is rarely made for a politician, more so for someone from the DAP. The move can be seen as a criticism of Loke’s predecessor, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, who never received the explicit support of the union.

The previous administration was heavily criticised for its handling of public transit. Public anger climaxed in the run-up to the 15th general election, when the country’s main rail systems suffered multiple breakdowns and operation disruptions, which fuelled widespread backlash.