Latest news with #NikNazmiNikAhmad
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Shame on those lobbying for Cabinet post, say PKR division leaders
PKR divisional leaders said elitist and patronage politics go against the party's culture. PETALING JAYA : Several PKR division chiefs have condemned allegations that certain party leaders are lobbying for ministerial positions, calling the claims shameful and contrary to the party's core reformist values. Gua Musang PKR chief Asharun Uji said he heard talk of such lobbying efforts, but no official information or solid evidence had been produced so far. 'I've only heard rumours. But as for how true it is, we leave that to the top leadership to resolve and investigate. 'There's no need for lobbying because the power to appoint ministers lies solely with the prime minister, who is also the PKR president,' he told FMT, urging fellow division leaders to reject such practices. Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported former PKR Sabah deputy communications chief Fekirie Gobet as saying that a party leader had been actively contacting division heads and collecting signatures to drum up support for a ministerial post. This comes following the resignations of economy minister Rafizi Ramli, and natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad after they lost in the recent PKR elections. Tanjong Karang PKR chief Yahya Mat Sahri said any attempt to lobby for Cabinet posts was embarrassing for the party and the issue should be left to the prime minister to resolve with dignity. Tapah PKR division chief Azam Afandi said signature campaigns or internal pressure tactics are not part of PKR's political culture. 'PKR was founded based on the principles of reform, hence we reject elitist and patronage politics. 'Even if such efforts are taking place, I believe they involve only a small group of individuals,' he said, adding that all Perak division chiefs would oppose any such movement.
The Star
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Second life for dead EV batteries
PETALING JAYA: With the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia on the rise, talks have begun with EV producers on what to do with the almost 900,000 depleted lithium-ion batteries by 2050. This is because if they are improperly disposed, the depleted EV batteries could pose environmental and health challenges for the nation. CLICK TO ENLARGE 'We are currently working towards introducing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative for EV batteries. 'If you manufacture EVs, you will also be responsible for the batteries at the end of their lifespan. 'This includes the retrieval of the batteries for recycling or otherwise,' said outgoing Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad ( pic ) during a recent interview with The Star. Special interview with Nik Nazmi15 MAY 2025 —CHAN TAK KONG/The Star The issue of depleted EV batteries, he said, needs to be addressed as the number of EVs in the country is expected to rise in the near future. 'We are looking at how best to deal with the increasing number of EV batteries as the number of EVs is set to rise. ALSO READ: 'EV ecosystem urgently needed' 'This is likely to happen when the RON95 targeted petrol subsidy is implemented and with the entry of cheaper EV models,' he added. It was reported that based on an eight-year battery lifecycle and registration data of EVs in the country, the number of depleted EV batteries that will need to be processed is estimated to increase drastically from 40,000 in 2030 to 330,000 by 2040 and 870,000 by 2050. The number of new EVs registered in Malaysia has surged in recent years, rising from 274 units in 2021 to 21,789 units last year. For this year alone, a total of 7,942 EVs have been registered as of April, representing a significant year-over-year growth of 79.7% compared to the same period in 2024. China, which is currently the world's top EV producer, has an EPR policy to recycle 70% of EV batteries by 2030, while the European Union (EU) has regulations for EV manufacturers to design batteries aimed at recycling. ALSO READ: Consumers, manufacturers key to enforcing EV battery recycling In Japan, the country's automakers work with the local councils to conduct battery collection and reuse programmes while the United States has set aside over US$3bil (RM12.7bil) under its Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for battery material recycling and second-life research. Nik Nazmi said talks have begun with EV manufacturers here on the EPR, although no formal decision has been made yet. 'Talks have begun but informally. It was done – not on a formal platform – but we (the ministry and EV makers) had the chance to meet at events. 'We have yet to formalise talks with the EV manufacturers,' he said, adding that the EPR would come under the responsibility of the Environment Department. The department, said Nik Nazmi, is also drafting designated guidelines for the disposal of EV batteries and solar panels which are listed as scheduled waste. 'The designated guidelines are needed to address the increase of EVs in the country as well as the use of solar panels. 'More and more people are turning to solar energy, and there has been an increase in the use of solar panels over the past few years. 'This is in line with the nation's transition to renewable energy and the increasing electricity tariffs,' he said. Nik Nazmi said recycling EV batteries is one of the main approaches to be taken when dealing with depleted batteries. 'We have agreed that this is the best way forward as it will also lessen our dependence on mining for the minerals required to produce the batteries,' he added. The global EV battery recycling market is expected to grow to US6.5bil (RM27.56bil) in the next five years. According to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), the nation's battery market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.28% from 2022 to 2027.
CNA
14 hours ago
- Business
- CNA
Commentary: Could Anwar's PKR party falter under the weight of his family?
HOBART: The resignations of two senior Cabinet ministers – from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's own Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) no less – will have immediate and far-reaching consequences. Malaysia's political landscape was shaken on Wednesday (May 28) when Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced their resignations from the Cabinet roles within hours of each other, both citing their defeats in internal party polls last weekend. Rafizi lost the PKR deputy presidency contest to Nurul Izzah Anwar, while Nik Nazmi was defeated by R Ramanan for one of four vice president posts. The victors are widely perceived as aligned with the faction loyal to PKR president Anwar, but this does not make life easier for the prime minister. A POLITICAL DYNASTY UNDERMINES REFORMIST REPUTATION Anwar's family now dominates the leadership of the party and the broader Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, intensifying a narrative of his political dynasty that threatens to undermine the party's reformist credentials. Nurul Izzah is Anwar's daughter, raising concerns about nepotism. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Nurul Izzah's mother and Anwar's wife, is president of the PH. Critics argue that Anwar should have discouraged Nurul Izzah's candidacy for the deputy presidency to mitigate accusations that PKR operates as a family-run entity. For years, detractors have labelled PKR the 'Anwar Ibrahim Fan Club', a moniker that has gained traction with the consolidation of familial control. Supporters counter these claims by emphasising Nurul Izzah's independent political career and grassroots support. Her landslide victory – her 9,803 votes to Rafizi's 3,866 – they argue, demonstrates strong backing within the party and reflects merit, not merely bloodline. A member of parliament from 2008 to 2022 and former senior adviser to the Minister of Finance, from her teenage years she was known as 'Puteri Reformasi' (reform princess) fighting for her father's release after Anwar was arrested in 1998. RAFIZI RAMLI'S RISING INFLUENCE Anwar's apparent acquiescence to Nurul Izzah challenging Rafizi has led some to speculate that he sought to curb his former deputy's rising influence, prioritising family loyalty over party unity. Rafizi had already defeated Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Anwar's close ally, for the deputy presidency in the 2022 party polls. Some members had even envisioned a "dream team" scenario of Rafizi eventually succeeding Anwar as president, with Nurul Izzah as deputy. Rafizi enjoys a formidable reputation as a reformist and intellectual force within PKR and viewed by many as a future leader capable of elevating Malaysia's political and economic landscape. He is celebrated for his role in exposing major scandals – and this more than once: He was convicted for leaking audit details related to 1MDB and for exposing confidential documents related to the National Feedlot Corporation scandal – though the latter was later overturned. He is also credited with spearheading Malaysia's subsidy rationalisation plan, a critical reform to address long-standing fuel and energy subsidy programmes. The business community has expressed hope that Anwar will appoint replacements with similar economic pragmatism to maintain market confidence. PARTY TURBULENCE It is the political fallout that poses a greater threat to PKR's cohesion and Anwar's leadership. Both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi are now freed from Cabinet collective responsibility that conventionally requires ministers to publicly support government decisions even if they personally disagree. They can now openly critique key government policies, which will be a direct aim at Anwar as prime minister. As MPs, they retain parliamentary platforms to voice dissent, potentially rallying Anwar's detractors within PKR. This internal discord comes at a precarious time. The Sabah state election is due in the next six months and PKR's weak presence in the East Malaysian state can easily be undermined by federal-level divisions. The 16th General Election (GE16) is due by 2027. Failure to unify PKR and achieve a strong electoral performance could place the blame squarely on Anwar, particularly for his support of Nurul Izzah in taking over as number two causing party turbulence. The most severe risk would be the potential departure of Rafizi and Nik Nazmi from PKR, along with their reformist supporters. Rafizi, in particular, commands significant loyalty among the party's 'reformasi' base, and his exit could destabilise PKR, reminiscent of Azmin Ali's defection during the Sheraton Move in 2020. ANWAR'S STRATEGIC OPTIONS Anwar must act swiftly to contain the fallout if he is to avoid crisis. Offering Rafizi and Nik Nazmi senior roles within the party, government or government-linked companies could signal reconciliation. Party insiders think this is likely: Appointing Rafizi to a non-elected position poses less risk within PKR. Time is critical; prolonged tensions could prompt Rafizi's supporters to voice dissent through public channels, further eroding party unity and damaging PKR's public reputation. If Rafizi declines, he could return to his advocacy work through organisations he co-founded like the National Oversight and Whistleblowers Centre (NOW) and Invoke Malaysia, focusing on transparency, anti-corruption and economic justice. As the MP for Pandan, he retains a parliamentary platform to voice his opinion, potentially positioning himself as the comeback kid. Anwar Ibrahim faces a critical juncture in his leadership of PKR and Malaysia. The resignations of Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, coupled with allegations of nepotism, threaten to fracture PKR and erode public trust in the PH coalition. Anwar's ability to navigate this crisis will determine whether he can stabilise PKR in time for GE16. Failure to do so risks empowering Rafizi as a formidable foe outside the party's inner circle, who could make a comeback at Anwar's political expense. Will PKR's reformist vision falter under the weight of familial politics? The coming weeks will tell if reformasi (reform), Anwar and PKR's tagline, will end up reformati (dead reform).
Malay Mail
a day ago
- General
- Malay Mail
‘My name isn't even on the list': Negeri Sembilan MB Aminuddin denies lobbying for federal role, leaves decision to Anwar
SEREMBAN, June 1 – Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has reportedly denied any interest in a federal Cabinet post, saying his priority remains on administering the state effectively. He dismissed speculation that he might be considered for a ministerial role following the recent resignations of two of his party mates, saying the decision lies entirely with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'I'm not lobbying for any position and I believe it's best to leave that to the Prime Minister to decide. My name isn't even on the list, so no worries,' he was quoted saying by Utusan Malaysia yesterday. Aminuddin, who is also a PKR vice-president, reiterated that Cabinet appointments are at the discretion of the party president and prime minister. The speculation emerged after Datuk Seri Mohd Rafizi Ramli resigned as economy minister, while Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stepped down as minister of natural resources and environmental after losing in the PKR party elections. Aminuddin were among those who defended their vice-president posts. He received the third most votes after Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. Science Minister Chang Lih Kang won the fourth post. Anwar has today again dismissed speculation of Cabinet reshuffle, assuring the public that the unity government remains stable and operational despite several ministers currently on leave. He said there is no urgency for changes within the Cabinet for now despite the two resignations.
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
I have plans, Rafizi says in first message after resignation
Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli said he wants to wait for the situation to 'cool off'. PETALING JAYA : Rafizi Ramli, who resigned as the economy minister this week following his defeat at the PKR polls, says he has plans for the future which he will reveal later on. The former PKR deputy president also said that his resignation was still a hot topic on X. 'I do have plans on what I want to focus on, but I want to wait for the situation to cool off,' he said on the micro-blogging site. He said for now, he was busy responding to messages and engaging with social media users. 'The country's real potential is the public. We have to go back to harnessing this potential,' he said. Rafizi resigned two days ago in keeping with his promise that he would step down as a minister if he was not re-elected as PKR deputy president. He was defeated by Nurul Izzah Anwar at the party polls last weekend. The two-term Pandan MP had said it would be inappropriate for a Cabinet post to be held by someone who was not a member of the party's central leadership. His resignation will take effect on June 17. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who likewise resigned as the natural resources and environmental sustainability minister after failing to defend his PKR vice-presidency, said yesterday that he and Rafizi would remain loyal to the party. His post on X followed a viral text message claiming that 11 MPs from the party were retracting their support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the PKR president.
