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THE decision by Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to resign from the Cabinet has been described as a principled act that merits respect, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Speaking after the recording of the Desaku Mendunia Concert and the pre-launch of the 3D Mega Carnival at Angkasapuri on Wednesday night, Zahid said both ministers had played meaningful roles in government and remained loyal to all Cabinet decisions.
“They (Rafizi and Nik Nazmi) are principled. That was their promise (to resign if they lost in the PKR election) and we respect that stance,” he said.
“Although we do not interfere in a party's internal matters, on behalf of our colleagues in the Cabinet, I feel that they have made significant contributions and collectively supported all Cabinet decisions,” he added.
Rafizi and Nik Nazmi earlier on Wednesday announced their resignations from Cabinet, effective 17 June and 4 July respectively, following their defeats in the 2025 Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) internal elections. Rafizi failed to retain his position as Deputy President after losing to Nurul Izzah Anwar, while Nik Nazmi was unsuccessful in his bid for a Vice President post.
Zahid also emphasised that the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, holds the prerogative to appoint new Cabinet members from PKR to fill the resulting vacancies.
“Leaders come and go, and so do ministers. The Prime Minister will select the best individuals from the party to serve in the Cabinet,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement issued Wednesday night, confirmed it had received formal letters from both ministers requesting leave and tendering their resignations. The PMO said the Prime Minister had approved the requests for leave, with further decisions regarding their resignations to be announced in due course. - May 29, 2025
