6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Nik Nazmi stands firm in stepping down as minister on July 4
KUALA LUMPUR: Setiawangsa member of parliament Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad is firm in his decision to resign from his ministerial post on July 4.
In a Facebook posting today, he admitted that it was not easy for him to part ways with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES).
"After two years, the team at NRES, including its departments and agencies, has become a dream team, with exceptional commitment, ability and integrity.
"However, this decision is part of a bigger consideration. The party's mandate is important for broader reforms. I did have the option to stay, but my choice is to step down," he said.
Nik Nazmi also shared that the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) chairman Shareen Shariza Abdul Ghani visited his office at NRES last week.
At the time, he was packing up, and Shareen asked if there was any chance of convincing him to change his mind.
"I simply smiled and looked around the office. Shareen followed my gaze towards the empty shelves that were once filled with books, the bare walls that used to hold various pictures, paintings and jerseys.
"She understood my decision. I told her to take good care of MGTC," he said.
Nik Nazmi said he had visited MGTC several months ago to directly address concerns from staff who were worried about the agency's direction.
"In discussions with Shareen, Amin Ramli and NRES secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo, we felt it was important to tackle these issues honestly and openly.
"May MGTC continue to lead the implementation of the climate change agenda towards our Net Zero 2050 target," he said.
Nik Nazmi also recalled the words of Jurgen Klopp when the football manager announced his resignation from Liverpool, that although he loved everything about the club, it was still a decision he needed to make.
"That is exactly how I feel," he added.
On May 28, Nik Nazmi, who is also the NRES minister, announced that he had submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, effective July 4.
His announcement came about three hours after Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli announced his resignation as the economy minister effective June 17.
