KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 — Following Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s resignation as economy minister, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has today announced his decision to step down as natural resources and environmental sustainability minister after failing to retain his PKR vice-presidency.

In a statement today, Nik Nazmi said his resignation will take effect on July 4, with him going on leave beginning tomorrow. 

“I have submitted my resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, effective July 4, 2025. I will be on leave starting tomorrow until July 3, 2025,” he said.

Nik Nazmi reflected on his tenure, highlighting key reforms achieved under his leadership, including amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974, increased transparency in environmental impact assessments, and significant progress in biodiversity protection.

“Malaysia became one of the earliest nations to submit the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan, which received recognition from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres,” he noted.

He also cited accomplishments such as the passing of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act and the introduction of the much-needed Tariff Setting Mechanism in the water sector.

Nik Nazmi acknowledged that his Cabinet appointment had been influenced by his position as a PKR vice-president, which he lost in the party’s recent elections.

“Given that I was unable to retain the position, I have decided to resign as minister,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to civil servants, his office team, and stakeholders for their support, adding that he looks forward to resuming his responsibilities as Setiawangsa MP.

Quoting late British MP Tony Benn, Nik Nazmi said, “I am leaving the Cabinet to give more time to politics and public service.”

Rafizi, who lost his bid for re-election as PKR deputy president to Nurul Izzah Anwar, announced his resignation as economy minister earlier today.

The Pandan MP had previously stated his intention to step down if he failed to secure the deputy presidency, citing the importance of Cabinet members holding party leadership positions.

The resignations of Rafizi and Nik Nazmi signal significant shifts in the party’s representation within the federal administration and raise questions about the Cabinet’s future composition. - Malay Mail, 28/5/2025


NO. 33 OF 2011
PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS (PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL) ACT
[Date of assent: 11th November, 2011.]
[Date of commencement: 14th November, 2011.]


An Act of the Parliament to provide for procedures for parliamentary approval of constitutional and statutory appointments and for connected purposes


1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, 2011.


2. Interpretation
 

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—


“appointing authority” means any person who, under the Constitution or any other law, is required to make an appointment for which the approval of Parliament is required;

“appointment” includes any re-appointment to the same body, whether or not in the same capacity;

“candidate” means a person who has been proposed or nominated for appointment to a public office;


“Clerk” means the Clerk of the relevant House of Parliament; and “Committee” means the relevant committee of Parliament or such other Committee as the Speaker may, for good reasons, direct.

3. Exercise of powers of appointment
An appointment under the Constitution or any other law for which the approval of Parliament is required shall not be made unless the appointment is approved or deemed to have been approved by Parliament in accordance with this Act.

4. Notification of vetting requirements
Any advertisement inviting applications for nomination for appointment to an office to which this Act applies shall indicate that candidates so nominated shall be required to appear before a committee of Parliament for vetting