Anthony Loke takes pride in being called ‘Menteri Nombor Plate’ as special number plates fund flight subsidies and social programmes
PETALING JAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pic) says he takes pride in being called “Menteri Nombor Plate” (number plate minister) and even “Menteri Baby Chair”, a dig referencing his push for child safety, as long as the work he does continues to deliver real benefits to Malaysians.
Loke said such labels reflect something more meaningful: that the public is closely watching, reacting to and engaging with the ministry’s initiatives.
On public nicknames and criticism
theSun: You have been called by critics recently as “Menteri Nombor Plate” and “Menteri Baby Chair” on social media. How do you take these labels—as criticism, humour or proof that the public is paying attention?
Loke: I take pride in that. It means that what we do has been noticed. If you are not being called by any label, and someone calls you “Menteri Nombor Plate”, to me, it is not a negative connotation.
It shows that, and I always try to show, if I can use that for a good cause, why not? No previous transport ministers have been called that because they have never been able to think outside the box to use that revenue for a good cause.
Because of the number plate initiative, we have been able to reduce the prices of air tickets for Sabah and Sarawak. We have also provided flight vouchers for students, free licensing programmes for many B40 individuals, free helmets and even social contributions to taxi drivers. All of these are funded from the revenue generated by the special number plates.
So, I do not mind being called anything, as long as I can achieve my objectives.
On online abuse vs real-world feedback
theSun: When the media cover your events, you often say a lot of detailed things, but online, people tend to read only the headlines and rarely go beyond them. How do you feel about that?
Loke: I do not really bother about online criticism. Sometimes, it does not reflect what actually happens on the ground because certain online narratives are driven by specific interest groups.
To me, I have always adopted this attitude: I will not be here forever. Being a minister is a great honour and a great opportunity. During my term, I just want to do what I feel is right. If I am able to achieve something during my term, I will have no regrets when I leave office.
Whatever people call me or criticise me for—because politicians will always be criticised—if someone cannot handle criticism, they might as well not join politics.
On visibility, performance and political pressure
theSun: You are one of the more visible and hands-on ministers. Many say you are doing well, some not so much. Why do you think some people still single out your actions?
Loke: We cannot win over everyone. But the fact that many people acknowledge my role and some of my work is motivation enough, it is good enough for me.
Firstly, we cannot please everyone, there is no way to do that. At the end of the day, if more than half the population agrees with what we do, that is sufficient. In a democracy, you cannot win over everyone. There will always be critics and people who disagree, and that is normal.
Being in government is a very different ballgame. You must have a sense of responsibility and a sense of doing the right thing for the nation. Sometimes, politicians are still very concerned about the next election. But sometimes, you must balance political considerations with doing what is right, even if it is not always popular.
Overall, if it is good for the country, people will appreciate it in the end. You do not have to worry about the future when you are focused on doing what is right for the country.
