KUALA LUMPUR – Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has tendered his resignation from the Cabinet, effective July 4, 2025, following his defeat in the recent PKR party elections.
In a statement released today, Nik Nazmi confirmed that he has submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and will begin his leave from tomorrow until his final day in office.
“Since my appointment to the Cabinet – first as Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change from December 2022 to December 2023, and later as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability – I have strived to implement much-needed reforms, working closely with a dedicated team of civil servants and my deputy,” he said.
Among the key milestones during his tenure were the Phase 1 amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 [Act 127], improved transparency in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reporting, and Malaysia’s early submission of its National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP). The significant decline in deforestation rates was also noted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
Nik Nazmi also highlighted early achievements in office, including the recalibration of electricity subsidies via the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through (ICPT) mechanism in Peninsular Malaysia and the successful passage of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act in the Dewan Rakyat. In the water sector, his ministry introduced a long-awaited tariff-setting mechanism.
The National Climate Change Bill, initiated under his leadership, is now in its final stages and expected to be tabled before the Cabinet and Parliament soon.
“I recognise that my appointment to the Cabinet was, in part, due to my then-position as one of PKR’s vice-presidents. Having failed to retain that role in the recent party polls, I have made the decision to resign,” he said.
Expressing gratitude, Nik Nazmi thanked the civil service, his office team, and stakeholders across public, private and civil society sectors who supported reform efforts throughout his term.
“We always sought to adopt an open and consultative approach when formulating policies and introducing legislation,” he said.
Looking ahead, Nik Nazmi said he would refocus on his duties as the Member of Parliament for Setiawangsa.
Quoting the late British MP Tony Benn, he said, “I am leaving the Cabinet to devote more time to politics and public service.”
His departure follows closely on the heels of Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli’s resignation, also citing the loss of party mandate after being defeated in the PKR elections.
Nik Nazmi had addressed his electoral loss earlier in a social media post, expressing neither resentment nor bitterness.
“It would be unnatural for me to not be disappointed, but I feel no bitterness or anger,” he wrote, while thanking supporters and his campaign team.
Reflecting on his two-decade-long journey in PKR, which began at age 19, he recalled repaying his UK scholarship to work full-time for Anwar Ibrahim, while others pursued corporate careers.
He also revisited key moments in his political career – from contesting the Seri Setia state seat in 2008 and participating in movements like Black505 and KitaLawan, to his eventual arrest and court charges in the struggle for reform.
In 2018, he won the Setiawangsa seat and was part of the coalition that saw Pakatan Harapan claim federal power.
“Achieving it was the new politics for our generation, one that was not rooted in narrow racial or religious views,” he said, reaffirming his belief that Malaysia’s future depends on progressive ideals.
Despite his loss, he remained hopeful and determined.
“Whatever lies ahead, I remain committed to serving the nation with all my heart and soul. God is the best of planners,” he said.
Nik Nazmi was among eight candidates who failed to secure one of the four contested PKR vice-president positions. Those elected were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
He also lost his bid to remain as Setiawangsa division chief, defeated by actor-director Datuk Afdlin Shauki. - May 28, 2025
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