PETALING JAYA, May 30 – Outgoing Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, has expressed heartfelt thanks to the staff of his ministry, praising their unwavering dedication and support during his tenure.
In a farewell message posted on his official Facebook account, Nik Nazmi shared his appreciation for the team’s cooperation and commitment to public service. “One thing you should know is that I have never, not once, been disappointed with the work you’ve done throughout our time together,” he wrote.
Nik Nazmi, who officially resigned yesterday following his failure to defend his position as PKR vice-president, is set to vacate his ministerial post on July 4. The Setiawangsa MP will be on leave until then.
Reflecting on his time in office, he addressed common misconceptions about the challenges of reform in the fields of natural resources, environment, and climate action.
“Some may assume that change and reform in these areas are impossible within a public service system often dismissed as overly bureaucratic. But let me say with full conviction: that assumption is wrong,” he asserted. “I have witnessed firsthand the dedication of public servants who work tirelessly every day.”
A child of a civil servant, Nik Nazmi said he has always held a deep respect for public service, describing it as “a path that is often quiet, without fanfare, but full of sacrifice.”
During his tenure, he highlighted several key milestones achieved by the ministry, including the introduction of the Climate Change Bill, the passage of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, and the restructuring of electricity subsidies to target those most in need.
He also noted the amendment of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, increased transparency in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, and Malaysia’s early submission of its National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan. The ministry also earned praise from UN Secretary-General António Guterres for significantly reducing the country’s deforestation rate.
“I will continue to contribute in my own way to the ministry’s goals. The world is changing, and we need to lead that change,” Nik Nazmi pledged.
His resignation comes on the heels of another key cabinet departure — that of Rafizi Ramli, who stepped down as Minister of Economy.
Nik Nazmi, a two-term MP, leaves behind a legacy of environmental reform and commitment to public service, with many commending his leadership in steering Malaysia’s environmental policy forward during a critical period.
