KUALA LUMPUR: The decision by Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to resign from Cabinet is a principled move that must be respected, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi had made effective contributions and supported all government decisions.
"They (Rafizi and Nik Nazmi) are principled. That was their promise (to resign if they lost in the PKR election) and we respect that stance.
"Although we do not interfere in a party's internal matters, on behalf of our colleagues in the Cabinet, I feel that they have made significant contributions and collectively supported all Cabinet decisions," he said.
Ahmad Zahid was speaking to reporters after attending the recording of the Desaku Mendunia Concert and the Pre-Launch Ceremony of the 3D Mega Carnival at Angkasapuri here Wednesday (May 28) night.
Ahmad Zahid said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has the sole authority to appoint successors from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) to fill the vacancies.
"Leaders come and go, and so do ministers. The Prime Minister will select the best individuals from the party to serve in Cabinet," he added.
Earlier Wednesday, Rafizi and Nik Nazmi announced their resignations from Cabinet effective June 17 and July 4, respectively, following their defeats in the 2025 PKR party elections held last week.
Rafizi failed to retain his position as PKR deputy president after losing to Nurul Izzah Anwar, while Nik Nazmi lost in the contest for a vice-president post.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO), in a statement Wednesday night, said Anwar had received letters from Rafizi and Nik Nazmi requesting leave and resignation from their Cabinet posts.
The PMO stated that the Prime Minister had approved both leave applications and that any further decisions on their resignations would be announced later. - Bernama
