Saifuddin urges Nik Nazmi to reconsider cabinet exit

Summary

• PKR election director Saifuddin appeals to Nik Nazmi to remain in the cabinet, calling him a capable and systematic leader.

• Saifuddin, who is also the home minister, says his call is neutral and not influenced by internal party factions aligned with Nurul Izzah or Rafizi.

• He vows to keep playing a unifying role within PKR, regardless of his position or influence in the party.

PKR election director Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged the party’s Setiawangsa MP, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, to reconsider his decision to resign from the cabinet.

While the natural resources and environmental sustainability minister’s resignation is set to take effect on July 4, Saifuddin, who is also the home minister, argued that the government still requires Nik Nazmi’s capabilities.

“I have known Nik Nazmi for a very long time. Back when I was the PKR Youth deputy chief, I knew him well - he’s a very talented and intelligent individual.

“His work was always systematic, but he, too, has chosen to step back. I still hope he will return to his (cabinet) position,” Berita Harian quoted Saifuddin as saying.

He also stressed that his appeal is not influenced by PKR’s internal factions aligned with either its deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, or her predecessor Rafizi Ramli, highlighting instead a similar stance previously voiced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also the PKR president, had earlier said he would prefer for Nik Nazmi and Rafizi to remain in the cabinet.

At the end of May, Rafizi had tendered his resignation as economy minister after his defeat to Nurul Izzah at the party’s polls.

Shortly after, his ally Nik Nazmi had also handed in his resignation after failing to defend his division chief and vice-president post.

Last week, 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.

Harmonising role

Saifuddin reportedly said that as a long-time PKR figure, he will continue to play a role in “harmonising” relationships among party leaders.

He said he had invited Nurul Izzah and Rafizi to his home for a “heartfelt” discussion right before the party’s election.

“From what I observed (between Nurul Izzah and Rafizi), there were common grounds and differences. I believe I can still play that role - as someone who has been with both of them for a long time - and I will continue to do so.

“I don’t care whether my position in the party is bright or bleak, or whether I hold a high post... I define my success in the party by staying consistent and making a meaningful contribution," he added.

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