KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has told his ministry's event organisers to start events on time and to not wait for him.

“I was told that I was to be here at 9.50am and I arrived five minutes earlier.

“However, I noticed the stage backdrop shows that the event starts at 9am.

“I want to advise those inviting me for events that there will be no more ‘waiting time’ for the minister,” he said when launching the Yamaha 20th Raya Balik Kampung Roads Safety Campaign here Friday.

Loke said that he would have made it on time if invited, as he did not like people to waste their time waiting for him.

“If you invite me at 8.30am, I will be there on time.

“There should be no more waiting time for the minister,” he said, adding that punctuality was a value that Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad practised.

On May 22, Loke, when starting his ministerial duties in Putrajaya, issued instructions against his staff welcoming or accompanying him at ministry events.

He said that the protocol was a waste of time, which could be put to better use by staff members.