PM Anwar approves leave for Rafizi, Nik Nazmi, mum on resignations

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved “the leave application” from his Cabinet ministers Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who had submitted their resignations.

In a brief statement, the Prime Minister confirmed that he had received letters to resign and to go on leave from the Economy Minister (Rafizi), and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister (Nik Nazmi).

“After considering their applications, the Prime Minister has agreed to approve the application for leave from both ministers,” the statement said.

“Any future decision on this matter will be announced later by the Prime Minister.”

Both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi announced their resignations from the unity government’s Cabinet on Wednesday (May 28), several days after they failed to get elected to senior posts in their party, PKR.

Rafizi had failed to defend his deputy president’s post, while Nik Nazmi did not garner enough votes to secure one of four vice-presidents posts.

In separate announcements on Wednesday, both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi had justified their resignations based on the fact that their Cabinet posts were dependent on the senior positions they occupied within their parties.

They both thanked the civil service, party members, the media and the public for the support they received when they helmed their portfolios over the two and half years.

Both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi had also listed their achievements which included completing the draft 13th Malaysia Plan and tabling a biodiversity action plan to curb environmental destruction and deforestation.

The duo were appointed to the positions after the unity government was formed following the 15th general election in November 2022.