Malay politician Nik Nazmi steps down from his role as the environment minister following his defeat in party elections.
In a surprising turn of events, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the former Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability in Malaysia, announced his resignation from the Cabinet effective July 4, 2025 [1][2][3]. This decision comes after his defeat in the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) central leadership elections.
### Reasons Behind Resignation
Nik Nazmi attributed his resignation to the loss of his party mandate, stating that leadership should be grounded in trust and accountability. Without full backing from the party, he found it challenging to continue in his role [3]. The resignation was also part of a broader fallout from PKR's leadership elections, where he and Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli lost their positions within the party [1][2].
### Impact on Decarbonization Efforts
The change in leadership at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability has led to some challenges, but Nik Nazmi has expressed his commitment to supporting the ministry and its initiatives, including decarbonization efforts, for the benefit of the country [3]. Johari Abdul Ghani has been appointed to take over his duties immediately [5].
Nik Nazmi played a key role in implementing policy reforms aimed at advancing Malaysia's decarbonisation efforts and transition towards net zero. Some of his notable achievements include the introduction of the National Climate Change Bill (RUUPIN), amendments under Phase 1 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 [Act 127], and the move to make Environmental Impact Assessment reports publicly accessible [1].
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act was also passed in the Dewan Rakyat, the lower house of the Malaysian Parliament, under his tenure [1]. Furthermore, Malaysia submitted its National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity [1].
The implementation of targeted electricity subsidies under the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through (ICPT) Mechanism in Peninsular Malaysia was another significant initiative undertaken by Nik Nazmi [1]. Despite his resignation, he assured that the National Climate Change Bill, the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan, and energy-related policies will continue without disruption [1].
The transition may pose challenges in maintaining momentum on environmental policies, but Nik Nazmi's continued support and the appointment of a new minister could help ensure stability in these efforts. The future of Malaysia's decarbonization efforts remains promising, with the new leadership ready to carry on the work started by Nik Nazmi.
- In the wake of his resignation as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability in Malaysia, Nik Nazmi has expressed his commitment to supporting the ministry and its initiatives, notably decarbonization efforts and the transition towards net zero.
- The resignation of Nik Nazmi, who played a pivotal role in implementing policy reforms, will likely impact climate change and environmental policy-and-legislation in Malaysia.
- The National Climate Change Bill (RUUPIN) and the amendments under Phase 1 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127) were some of the policy reforms introduced by Nik Nazmi, aimed at advancing Malaysia's sustainability and addressing climate change.
- Johari Abdul Ghani has been appointed to take over Nik Nazmi's duties as the new Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, following Nik Nazmi's resignation due to his loss in the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) central leadership elections.
- In the realm of environmental science and in response to global issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss, science has increasingly become a cornerstone in developing policy, with general-news outlets regularly covering these topics.
- The new Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability leadership will need to prioritize sustainability and work towards the nation's ambitious target of a net zero carbon emissions economy by 2050, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
