KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 -- Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad is standing by his decision to resign as minister of natural resources and environmental sustainability, effective July 4.

He said the move was necessary as he no longer held a full mandate within PKR, adding that leadership must be grounded in trust and accountability.

"It wasn't an easy decision. I had a meaningful job, a strong team at the ministry and office, and the opportunity to work with civil society and the corporate sector.

"But being a minister can trap you in a 'bubble' - with privileges, security escorts, and protocols at every event. I believe that becoming too attached to such a lifestyle can be dangerous.

"At the end of the day, I believe that as a politician,...