NIK NAZMI Nik Ahmad has submitted his resignation as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), effective July 4, 2025.
In a statement today, Nik Nazmi said he would be on leave from tomorrow until the resignation takes effect, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have served in the federal cabinet.
“Since my appointment to the Cabinet—first as Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (December 2022 to December 2023), and subsequently as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (December 2023 to July 2025)—I have endeavoured to deliver meaningful reforms alongside my deputy minister and a dedicated civil service,” he said.
Among the key accomplishments during his tenure, he cited the first phase of amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 \[Act 127], increased transparency in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reporting, and Malaysia's early submission of its National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) to combat environmental degradation.
“The significant reduction in deforestation rates was also recognised by the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres,” he noted.
Nik Nazmi also highlighted the swift implementation of targeted electricity subsidies under the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through (ICPT) mechanism in Peninsular Malaysia, the passage of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act in the Dewan Rakyat, and the introduction of a long-needed Tariff Setting Mechanism in the water sector.
He added that the NRES team had developed the National Climate Change Bill (RUUPIN) from its inception, which is now at the final stage before being presented to the Cabinet and Parliament.
However, Nik Nazmi acknowledged that his prior role as Vice President of the People’s Justice Party (PKR) had been a factor in his Cabinet appointment.
“Given that I was not returned to the post in the recent party elections, I have made the decision to step down as Minister,” he said.
He extended his “deepest appreciation” to the civil servants, his office staff, and all stakeholders across the public, private and civil society sectors “who have guided me and made it possible to carry out many important reforms during this period.”
“We always strived to adopt an open and consultative approach in policymaking and legislative initiatives,” he added.
Nik Nazmi said he looks forward to resuming his full responsibilities as the Member of Parliament for Setiawangsa and focusing on constituency service.
Quoting the late British MP Tony Benn, he said: “I leave the Cabinet to give more time to politics and public service.”
'This Is Not the End, Merely a Bend in the Journey’
In Facebook post yesterday, Nik Nazmi offered a personal reflection following his defeat in the recent PKR internal elections, describing the moment not as an end, but "a bend in the long journey."
“Thank you for all the messages I received after the announcement of the election results,” he wrote. “It’s normal for me to be disappointed, but I don’t hold a grudge nor feel angry.”
The minister shared memories of his early entry into politics and his enduring commitment to progressive causes. “I’ve spent more than half my age in parties. At 19 years old, I helped JUSTICE when this container was far from mainstream,” he said, referring to the early years of Parti Keadilan. “Months after starting work as an executive at PNB, I decided to redeem an overseas scholarship and work full-time with Anwar Ibrahim, as many friends planned their corporate careers.”
He recalled how, in the 2008 general election, he stepped forward when the party was short on candidates.
“I offered myself to contest in DUN Seri Setia, since I was working on tuition in a low-cost flat there. We surprised those who doubted us and I became the youngest candidate, and BN lost for the first time in Selangor.”
Reflecting on the 2013 elections, he noted that despite the opposition winning the popular vote, it failed to take control of Parliament. That disappointment galvanised further activism.
“When Anwar and Rafizi Ramli asked me to book a stadium for the Black505 rally, I agreed without hesitation. My five years in court were because of the Black505 case.”
Even while Anwar was imprisoned, Nik Nazmi remained involved in grassroots mobilisation.
“We advocated the WeFight rally. It started with just a couple of tough and stubborn youngsters, but became a big movement that saw us spending a few days in lockdown.”
His breakthrough came in 2018, when he contested and won the parliamentary seat of Setiawangsa.
“I contested in the Setiawangsa parliament seat, a safe seat belonging to BN. We campaigned with the message that if we win Setiawangsa, we will win Putrajaya,” he said. “This is becoming a reality.”
“I have always believed that Malaysia will only achieve its potential through progressive politics. Making it real is the new political form for our generation, not narrow-minded race or religion-based ideas.”
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the country from a young age. “I am blessed to be given the opportunity to serve at a young age. I enjoy the friendship of many ordinary Malaysians who support this struggle.”
“This is not the end of the struggle, but a bend in the long journey. Allah SWT is the best of planners.” - May 28, 2025
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