Johari Ghani to assume duties of natural resources minister after Nik Nazmi's exit, says chief secretary to govt
Chief Secretary to the Government and Cabinet Secretary Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, in a statement today, said the matter was agreed upon by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and conveyed during the Cabinet meeting on July 9.
On May 28, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced his resignation as Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, effective July 4.
Nik Nazmi, 43, said he had done his best to implement key reforms since assuming the role of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister in December 2022, and later the restructured ministry.
Among the notable achievements during his tenure were amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and enhanced transparency in the reporting of Environmental Impact Assessments.
He also cited his failure to retain the vice-president post in the recent PKR election as one of the factors that influenced his decision to step down. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Zahid to embark on working visit to New Zealand, focusing on bilateral ties
AUCKLAND: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will be on a five-day working visit to New Zealand starting tomorrow until July 18. The Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mazita Marzuki said Zahid's visit is part of the government's ongoing commitment to further strengthen bilateral diplomatic relations that have been established for 68 years with New Zealand. The visit, she said, focuses on exploring opportunities for strategic cooperation covering various fields including defence, agriculture, education, halal industry as well as strategic cooperation. "This visit is expected to further strengthen the long-standing Malaysia-New Zealand bilateral relations across various areas of cooperation. "It also symbolises the continuation of the highest-level exchange of visits between the two countries, including the working visit by former Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir on May 2 to 4 in 2023," she said at a press conference here today. Obviously, it includes the continuation of the working visit by former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, cum Foreign Minister of New Zealand to Malaysia on June 6-9 2024; as well as the official visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Malaysia on Sept 1-3 2024. Zahid will also be accompanied by a delegation consisting of senior Malaysian government officials from the Foreign Ministry, the Rural and Regional Development Ministry and the Prime Minister's Department. Mazita said that among the main contents of Zahid's visit are meetings with New Zealand's top leaders on July 16–17 in Wellington. He is expected to meet New Zealand's Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Maori Development Minister Tama Potaka as well as Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay. The visit will also include Zahid's participation as chairman of the Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH) in a halal forum jointly organised by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) which will witness the signing of a cooperation document between Malaysia and New Zealand on higher education. "In addition, it will also involve engagement sessions with New Zealand industry and business leaders including the ASEAN New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC) and the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Corporation (NZTE)," she said. Zahid, who is also the chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP), will be visiting National Crisis Management Centre and will hold a Roundtable Session with the Māori community in Rotorua, she said. Zahid will also meet 250 members of the Malaysian community in New Zealand who are residents of the country. "This visit is seen as very much in line with Malaysia's role as Asen Chair for 2025. "It provides an opportunity for the Malaysian government to share initial achievements, directions and priorities under the theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability" within the Asean regional framework. "This visit thus reflects the government's commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations, promoting national interests and strengthening strategic cooperation between Malaysia and New Zealand," she said. The last time a Malaysian top leader visited New Zealand was the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who was the prime minister at the time in March 2005.
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
PN has limited options ahead of Sabah polls, say analysts
PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin said the coalition will not cooperate with GRS in the upcoming state election. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Perikatan Nasional (PN) may be forced to contest the Sabah election on its own because of limited options in forming alliances, say political analysts. Universiti Malaya's Awang Azman Pawi said after rejecting cooperation with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), PN does not have many viable choices left as it is unlikely to team up with its main rivals, Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN). He said an alliance with Warisan was also unlikely as the party led by Shafie Apdal champions a 'Sabah for Sabahans' agenda, in contrast with PN, which is seen as a Peninsular Malaysia-oriented coalition. 'If PN goes solo, it will face significant challenges in Sabah because it still lacks strong grassroots structures in many rural areas,' Awang Azman told FMT. 'Rejecting GRS may be symbolic of PN's confidence, but it carries risks, especially given the fluid and highly localised nature of Sabah politics.' Yesterday, PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin said the coalition would not cooperate with GRS in the state election because of what he described as a betrayal by GRS after its leaders, then in Bersatu, left in November 2022 following the outcome of the 16th general elections (GE16). However, Muhyiddin said PN was open to exploring electoral alliances with other parties. Syahruddin Awang Ahmad of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said PN may have to rely on the popularity of its national leaders, an appealing manifesto, and aggressive campaigning if it contests the election independently. He said this would be difficult because of the dominance of local parties in Sabah politics, something PN lacks given that its component parties consist of Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People's Party. While local parties like Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku and Parti Maju Sabah were once part of PN, they left to join GRS, which is led by chief minister Hajiji Noor. In terms of potential alliances, Syahruddin said PN could explore partnerships with local parties unentangled in federal-level conflicts, such as Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat. 'Even influential independent candidates in constituencies like Tambunan, Tenom and Kudat could be strategic picks. 'By rejecting GRS, PN may be forced to get creative in forming alliances in Sabah. They might also aim to be seen not just as a national party, but also as a relevant local player,' he said. Tony Paridi Bagang of Universiti Teknologi Mara Sabah said PN could face stiff competition if it contests the election independently, making it difficult to win a significant number of the 73 state assembly seats up for grabs. However, he believed that there are still opportunities for political cooperation given the current fluidity of the political landscape. 'Winning a large number of seats may be difficult for PN, but in politics, nothing is impossible. Political cooperation is still possible, provided there are mutual agreements with other parties,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
PN snub makes things easier, says Gabungan Rakyat Sabah
GRS deputy secretary-general Armizan Mohd Ali said local parties have the final say on candidates for the state election. PETALING JAYA : Perikatan Nasional's decision not to collaborate with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah in the upcoming Sabah election works in GRS's favour, a leader of the ruling coalition said. 'Our affairs are now easier … without us asking, Sabah Barisan Nasional, and now PN, have stated their stance in rejecting GRS,' said GRS deputy secretary-general Armizan Mohd Ali. 'Let others speak. We welcome that. What matters is that we keep moving forward. What's important is our effort to gain the support of the people, not alignments with other coalition blocs.' Armizan also highlighted the strength of local parties, saying they hold the final say in selecting candidates for the election. He said that in national coalitions, letters of appointment for election candidates must be issued by the central leadership of the respective component parties, making those selected beholden to the national leadership. This differs from Sabah-based parties, where appointment letters are issued by local party leaders, and the chief minister is chosen from among leaders elected by the people. 'Going forward, we do not want any party over there (in the peninsula) to consider themselves the 'master' or the 'boss' simply because they decide who leads Sabah. 'It's time we send a clear signal that the 'master' is not there, the 'master' is here. The ultimate 'masters' are the people of Sabah,' he said. Yesterday, PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin said the coalition rejected any political cooperation with GRS in the state election, citing what he described as a betrayal by GRS after its leaders, then members of Bersatu, left the party in November 2022 following the 16th general election (GE16). GRS is currently in discussions with Pakatan Harapan (PH) about forming an electoral alliance for the state election. PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim has since called for the PH-BN alliance to work with GRS. GRS chairman Hajiji Noor has warned that GRS is prepared to contest the election alone if PH proceeds with teaming up solely with BN, insisting that Sabah-based parties should form the backbone of any alliance and lead the state government.
