Latest news with #NaturalResourcesandEnvironmentalSustainability
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Penang PKR vice-chairman Fahmi Zainol has no plans to quit exco post
GEORGE TOWN: Penang PKR vice-chairman Fahmi Zainol has no plans to relinquish his executive council post. This is despite him being viewed as a supporter of Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Rafizi and Nik Nazmi resigned from their ministerial posts yesterday. Speaking at his office at Komtar here today, Fahmi said stands by his principles. "No, I am not relinquishing my exco post. I was entrusted with the post until the end of my term, and I will stick with it. "I am a party man and I will abide by what the party says." Fahmi said there was no pressure on him to relinquish his post. He said the situation on the ground was calm. "What we all want is stability … political stability, which is why I abide by the party's rules." Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today he has yet to make a decision on a cabinet reshuffle following the resignations of Rafizi and Nik Nazmi. He said a decision could not be made as Rafizi and Nik Nazmi were on leave. Rafizi, who is Pandan member of parliament, said his resignation would take effect on June 17, and that he would use the remainder of his leave until June 16. Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said his resignation would take effect on July 4. In the recently concluded party election, Fahmi lost in his bid for a central committee member's post.
Sinar Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Ministerial resignations signal need for Cabinet reshuffle
KUALA LUMPUR - The resignations of Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad today have been described by analysts as a turning point signalling the need for a Cabinet reshuffle within the Madani government. Political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian, who is with Universiti Sains Malaysia said the development takes into account factors such as the possibility of other ministers or deputy ministers from 'Rafizi's faction' in Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) following suit. He added that another factor to consider is the status of Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, whose term as Senator is set to expire in December. "Given the current situation, this might be the right time for a Cabinet reshuffle. With Rafizi's resignation, followed by Nik Nazmi's, and possibly more to come, a comprehensive reshuffle is necessary to ensure the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) has a team fully committed to leading the country for the remainder of the term. "A Cabinet reshuffle is important not only to fill the vacancies left by outgoing ministers but also to ensure government stability and maintain public confidence and trust,' he told Bernama. Rafizi and Nik Nazmi, who failed to retain their positions in the recent PKR central leadership election, have announced their resignations, effective June 17 and July 4, respectively. Commenting further, Sivamurugan said any Cabinet reshuffle should be guided by the key performance indicators (KPI) previously set for all ministers and deputy ministers. Senior lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi Mara Kedah, Dr Jazimin Zakaria, suggested the government should consider appointing more technocrats in the event of a Cabinet reshuffle. "Rafizi's decision is unhealthy; it is a political emotional reaction. While it may be due to issues of integrity or loyalty to the party, the timing is not right, especially when we are facing a trade war. Therefore, it is worth considering technocrats, prioritising quality and performance,' he said. Meanwhile, political analyst from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali, said the ministerial resignations are in line with the democratic practices upheld in the country and stressed that these will not undermine the stability of the Madani government. "This is a normal occurrence in a democracy; when individuals holding office lose their party mandate, they step down accordingly. There is a possibility that some ministry-level planning might be affected, but overall, it will not have a major impact on government policy,' he said. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad leaves his office after announcing his resignation, which will take effect on July 4, 2025. - Photo by Bernama The Perdana Centre, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities lecturer expressed confidence in Anwar's wisdom, describing him as having a contingency plan in managing the resignations within his Cabinet. He added that the Prime Minister also has the advantage of leading a government supported by an efficient Cabinet and a strong parliamentary majority. Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the competence and experience of civil servants in the relevant ministries will ensure that there is no disruption to the implementation of previously planned policies. "Furthermore, the selection of replacements will surely reflect the Madani government's commitment to meritocracy and inclusivity, while ensuring continuity of the country's reform agenda,' he said. All analysts agreed that the individuals appointed to succeed the outgoing ministers must demonstrate courage, responsibility, and the competence to carry forward and enhance existing policies. - BERNAMA
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Two down for PKR in Cabinet
PETALING JAYA: A day after the Asean summit concluded, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has made good on his promise to quit as Economy Minister. Another person aligned with Rafizi in the party elections, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, has also resigned. Both tendered their resignation from the Cabinet to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Rafizi announced his departure as Economy Minister at 1.45pm yesterday and just over two hours later, Nik Nazmi said he was leaving as Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister. Last week, during the PKR polls, Rafizi lost his party deputy presidency to Anwar's daughter Nurul Izzah while Nik Nazmi finished fifth among 11 candidates in the vice-presidency race. There were only four positions for vice-president being contested. Rafizi said his resignation will take effect from June 17 and he will be on leave until June 16. 'My recent defeat in the PKR polls means I no longer have the mandate from my party to translate the people's agenda, as envisioned by PKR, into government programmes. 'As practised in countries that prioritise democratic principles, leaders who lose in party elections must make way for those who have won,' said Rafizi. 'I am confident that the programmes to improve the country's economic structure, pioneered by the (Economy) Ministry, will continue to be successfully implemented. 'My final duty as the Economy Minister has been completed with the preparation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), which has been finalised and is awaiting presentation at the next Parliamentary session,' he added. On May 7, Rafizi had said he would step down from his Cabinet post if he lost in the polls. Nik Nazmi, meanwhile, said his resignation will take effect from July 4. He is on leave until July 3. Echoing Rafizi's sentiments, Nik Nazmi said he was appointed as a minister when he was a PKR vice-president. Since he lost his post, he decided to resign. 'I am waiting to return to serve as an MP and focus on my area in Setiawangsa. 'To quote the late Britain MP Tony Benn: 'I left the Cabinet to focus more on politics and public service',' said Nik Nazmi. Nik Nazmi was appointed as the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister in December 2022, and the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister in Dec 2023. He said he had done his best to carry out necessary reforms within the civil service. 'The successes include amendments to the Environment Qualities Act 1974, as well as improvements in transparency in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). 'Malaysia is also among the countries that tabled the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) to curb environmental destruction and deforestation,' he said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Rafizi, Nik Nazmi step down after PKR poll losses
PETALING JAYA: Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli announced yesterday that he will resign from the Cabinet, effective June 17. Following in his footsteps, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has also tendered his resignation, effective July 4. Both PKR leaders made the announcements via press statements posted on their respective social media platforms. Rafizi said he had submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and would begin using his remaining annual leave starting yesterday until his last official day in office. 'I joined politics to cultivate a new political culture grounded in accountability and the people's mandate. My recent defeat in the party polls means I no longer have the mandate from my party to translate its agenda into government policy,' said Rafizi. He added that in keeping with democratic practices in other countries, party leaders who lose internal elections should step aside for those with a renewed mandate to serve in the government. Rafizi also expressed gratitude to the leadership and civil servants at the Economy Ministry, praising their professionalism and ability to craft effective economic policies and programmes. 'My final responsibility as minister has been the completion of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which is now ready to be tabled in Parliament in the upcoming session,' he said. According to Rafizi, the 13MP places significant emphasis on comprehensive education reforms, including structural changes involving the Education Ministry. 'I hope the Cabinet will uphold the bold reforms, even after my departure,' he added. Rafizi's resignation follows his defeat in the recent PKR deputy presidency race, where Nurul Izzah Anwar secured over 70% of the vote. She was officially elected as the new deputy president with 9,803 votes, while Rafizi received 3,866, marking a significant shift in party leadership. Before the election, Rafizi had indicated that he was prepared to step down from his ministerial post if he failed to retain his position, framing the move as a gesture of respect for the grassroots mandate. He also reassured that the internal party contest would not impact the functioning of the unity government. 'I have spoken with my colleagues in the government, including those from Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Barisan Nasional, and assured them that the internal party contest will not disrupt the administration,' he had said. He also affirmed that he would continue serving as Pandan MP. Previously, Rafizi also said once he is no longer bound by his responsibilities as a minister, he will have more freedom to speak out on various issues without being constrained by Cabinet ethics. 'Firstly, I will no longer be burdened with the heavy responsibilities of a minister. Secondly, I'll be happier because my hands and mouth will no longer be tied.' Rafizi served as the Economy minister, having been appointed to the role by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim following the 2022 general election. Meanwhile, Nik Nazmi, who announced his resignation on Instagram, said he would be on leave from today until the day before his resignation takes effect. He lost the Setiawangsa PKR division chief post to director-actor Datuk Afdlin Shauki and failed to retain his PKR vice-presidency. Nik Nazmi explained that his Cabinet appointment was closely tied to his previous role as a PKR vice-president. 'I look forward to continuing my service as an MP and refocusing my efforts on Setiawangsa.' His tenure as minister began in Dec 2022 and included a portfolio reshuffle in Dec 2023. His achievements made in collaboration with the civil service include significant amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and enhanced transparency in the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Rafizi, Nik Nazmi Resign from Cabinet after party defeats
PETALING JAYA: Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli announced yesterday that he will resign from the Cabinet, effective June 17. Following in his footsteps, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has also tendered his resignation, effective July 4. Both PKR leaders made the announcements via press statements posted on their respective social media platforms. Rafizi said he had submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and would begin using his remaining annual leave starting yesterday until his last official day in office. 'I joined politics to cultivate a new political culture grounded in accountability and the people's mandate. My recent defeat in the party polls means I no longer have the mandate from my party to translate its agenda into government policy,' said Rafizi. He added that in keeping with democratic practices in other countries, party leaders who lose internal elections should step aside for those with a renewed mandate to serve in the government. Rafizi also expressed gratitude to the leadership and civil servants at the Economy Ministry, praising their professionalism and ability to craft effective economic policies and programmes. 'My final responsibility as minister has been the completion of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which is now ready to be tabled in Parliament in the upcoming session,' he said. According to Rafizi, the 13MP places significant emphasis on comprehensive education reforms, including structural changes involving the Education Ministry. 'I hope the Cabinet will uphold the bold reforms, even after my departure,' he added. Rafizi's resignation follows his defeat in the recent PKR deputy presidency race, where Nurul Izzah Anwar secured over 70% of the vote. She was officially elected as the new deputy president with 9,803 votes, while Rafizi received 3,866, marking a significant shift in party leadership. Before the election, Rafizi had indicated that he was prepared to step down from his ministerial post if he failed to retain his position, framing the move as a gesture of respect for the grassroots mandate. He also reassured that the internal party contest would not impact the functioning of the unity government. 'I have spoken with my colleagues in the government, including those from Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Barisan Nasional, and assured them that the internal party contest will not disrupt the administration,' he had said. He also affirmed that he would continue serving as Pandan MP. Previously, Rafizi also said once he is no longer bound by his responsibilities as a minister, he will have more freedom to speak out on various issues without being constrained by Cabinet ethics. 'Firstly, I will no longer be burdened with the heavy responsibilities of a minister. Secondly, I'll be happier because my hands and mouth will no longer be tied.' Rafizi served as the Economy minister, having been appointed to the role by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim following the 2022 general election. Meanwhile, Nik Nazmi, who announced his resignation on Instagram, said he would be on leave from today until the day before his resignation takes effect. He lost the Setiawangsa PKR division chief post to director-actor Datuk Afdlin Shauki and failed to retain his PKR vice-presidency. Nik Nazmi explained that his Cabinet appointment was closely tied to his previous role as a PKR vice-president. 'I look forward to continuing my service as an MP and refocusing my efforts on Setiawangsa.' His tenure as minister began in Dec 2022 and included a portfolio reshuffle in Dec 2023. His achievements made in collaboration with the civil service include significant amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and enhanced transparency in the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
