Outgoing federal minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has penned a heartfelt email thanking his ministry staff for their unwavering support, saying that they never once disappointed him.
Nik Nazmi, who resigned as natural resources and environmental sustainability minister yesterday, expressed his gratitude for the staff’s cooperation, guidance, and support throughout his time in 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 said in a note that was posted on his Facebook account.
He said some may assume that change and reform in the fields of natural resources, the environment, and climate are impossible within a public service system often dismissed as overly bureaucratic.
“But let me say with full conviction: that assumption is wrong. I have witnessed firsthand the dedication of public servants who work tirelessly every day.
“As the child of a civil servant, I grew up with a deep respect for public service. It is a path that is often quiet, without fanfare, but full of sacrifice,” he said.
Nik Nazmi also recounted the ministry’s achievements during his time with them, including the climate change bill, the passing of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, as well as targeted restructuring of electricity subsidies.
“We managed to amend the Environmental Quality Act 1974, made environmental impact assessment reports more transparent, and became one of the earliest countries to submit our National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan,” he said.
Nik Nazmi, who is the Setiawangsa MP, said Malaysia was also commended by UN secretary-general Antonio 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,” he said.
Nik Nazmi, a two-term MP, resigned from his ministerial role after failing to defend his PKR vice-presidency. He is currently on leave and will vacate the post on July 4.
His resignation comes after Rafizi Ramli tendered his resignation as the economy minister.
