Report: Nik Nazmi to see through enactment of climate change law

 

Newly minted Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has vowed that he would see through the implementation of a Climate Change Act, which is one of the promises made by Pakatan Harapan in its election manifesto.

The Setiawangsa MP reportedly said that he will push several initiatives to tackle climate change issues, with the chief of this plan being having a new law that will especially address the matter enacted.

"In this regard, the Harapan manifesto has outlined a few key areas of commitment, including the legislation of the Climate Change Act which I intend to see through," he said, as quoted by The Vibes.

In its manifesto for the 15th general election, Harapan had promised to address five main issues if it forms the government, including enacting a Climate Change Act.

The previous administration led by prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had also planned to draft a Climate Change Bill and table it in the Parliament early next year.

Proposal for a select committee

Yesterday, Nik Nazmi announced that his ministry has also proposed to the Dewan Rakyat speaker to form a Parliamentary Select Committee on the Environment and Climate Change.

"The purpose of this committee will be to assist the government in drafting clear policies in regards to climate change," he said on Twitter.

He also promised that the new ministry will focus on planning out national commitments to combat climate change.

The minister also wants to have more engagement with pro-environment groups so that they can formulate better policies in regard to the environment.

"I believe more engagements are needed with like-minded groups that will allow my ministry to present a clear picture of forward-looking policies which address environmental concerns in the local context," he reportedly said.

Meanwhile, the environmental activism group Klima Action Malaysia (Kamy) in an immediate response lauded Nik Nazmi's announcement on the proposal to have a select committee on climate change.

Kamy chairperson Illi Nadiah Dzulfakar reportedly said that the ministry should be given the time and space to work out its plans and hoped that it would continue to work together with pro-environment groups. - Mkini