Summary

  • Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad will still be stepping down as the natural resources and environmental sustainability minister despite having the option to stay, citing the need to prioritise PKR’s broader reform mandate.

  • He describes his ministry staffers as a “dream team”, stressing that his resignation was made with a bigger picture in mind.

  • The Setiawangsa MP’s remarks come after PM’s call for him to reconsider his move.

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad appears adamant on leaving the ministry, despite Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressing hopes he would stay on.

Nik Nazmi said that while he does have the option to remain in his ministerial position, he has made the difficult decision to step down “for a larger consideration” concerning PKR’s mandate.

“Leaving the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry is not easy. After two years, I’ve come to see the team at the ministry, including its departments and agencies, as a ‘dream team’ featuring extraordinary commitment, capability and integrity.

“The party’s mandate is vital for broader reform. I did have the option to stay, but I’ve chosen to resign (as minister),” the Setiawangsa MP said on social media today.

Last week, Anwar said he would personally prefer to have former economy minister Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi rejoin the cabinet.

The duo had submitted their resignation letters at the end of May following their defeat in the PKR central leadership election.

Rafizi lost the deputy president’s post to former PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, while Nik Nazmi failed to defend his position as vice-president.

PM Anwar Ibrahim

According to the resignation letters submitted to Anwar, Rafizi’s resignation came into effect today, while Nik Nazmi’s last day is scheduled for July 4.

Both had undertaken a leave period after they tendered their resignations.

On the last day of his leave yesterday, Rafizi paid tribute to civil servants across multiple ministries and agencies.

Farewell reflections

Nik Nazmi’s post also touched on his earlier meeting with Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation chairperson Shareen Abdul Ghani.

He said Shareen had asked him if there was any way he could be convinced to change his mind regarding his resignation.

Outgoing minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in a meeting with Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation chairperson Shareen Abdul Ghani

“I simply smiled and looked around the office. Shareen followed my gaze, seeing the empty shelves that were once filled with books, the bare walls that used to hold various pictures, paintings, and jerseys,” Nik Nazmi penned.

The Liverpool FC supporter also managed to reference a quote from the club’s former manager, Jürgen Klopp.

“When (Klopp) announced his resignation as Liverpool’s manager, he said: ‘I love absolutely everything about this club… I love the staff… But, that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.’

“That’s exactly how I feel,” Nik Nazmi added.

'I'm indebted to them', Rafizi bids farewell to civil servants

'I'm indebted to them', Rafizi bids farewell to civil servants

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PM wishes Rafizi 'all the best', will review economy minister replacement

Shamsul's attempt to woo Rafizi 'hypocritical', says PKR leader

Shamsul's attempt to woo Rafizi 'hypocritical', says PKR leader

COMMENT | Rafizi, Nik Nazmi should not rejoin cabinet

COMMENT | Rafizi, Nik Nazmi should not rejoin cabinet

I prefer Rafizi, Nik Nazmi rejoin cabinet - PM

I prefer Rafizi, Nik Nazmi rejoin cabinet - PM