'We resign, but we will not betray the party' – Nik Nazmi

SHAH ALAM – The resignation of two key Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, from their posts in the Unity Government Cabinet will not lead to any betrayal of the party.

In a brief statement on X, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stressed that both he and Rafizi would never betray the party despite their decision to step down as ministers.

“We resign, but we will not betray the party,” he said.

Nik Nazmi’s statement, who is also a former PKR vice-president, comes amidst allegations that at least 11 Members of Parliament from the party, including himself and Rafizi, are said to have withdrawn their support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

However, the speculation was denied by PKR vice-president Chang Lih Kang, who described the circulated claims across various social media platforms as baseless and absurd.

Yesterday, Rafizi, who also serves as the Economy Minister, announced his resignation effective June 17, followed by Nik Nazmi, who would vacate his role as Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister effective July 4.

Both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi cited the loss of party mandate following defeats in the party’s elections for the deputy president and vice-president posts as the reason behind their resignations.

Following this, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed that Anwar had received the leave and resignation letters from both Cabinet ministers, submitted on Wednesday.

“After reviewing the applications, the Prime Minister has agreed to approve the leave requests of both ministers.

“Any further decisions regarding this matter will be announced later by the Prime Minister,” said a PMO spokesperson on Wednesday.