In a Facebook post, he described those he had worked closely with at the ministry, its departments and agencies, as a “dream team”, citing their exceptional commitment, capability, and integrity.

“But I made this decision with a bigger purpose in mind. The party’s (PKR) mandate is crucial to achieving wide-reaching reforms.

“Yes, I could have chosen to stay – but I chose to step down,” he said.

He also quoted Jugen Klopp’s remarks after announcing his resignation as Liverpool’s manager: “I love absolutely everything about this club… I love the staff… But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.

“That’s how I feel,” Nik Nazmi said.

Last week, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed hope that both Nik Nazmi and Rafizi Ramli, who submitted their resignation letters on May 28, would reconsider their decisions.

Anwar was quoted as saying that while he had received their leave applications and resignation letters, he had only approved their applications to go on leave.

Rafizi’s leave ended yesterday while Nik Nazmi’s leave will end on July 3.

Anwar yesterday thanked Rafizi Ramli for his contributions as economy minister.

The prime minister also confirmed that the economy ministry would remain intact and wished Rafizi “all the best”, saying the Pandan MP had served exceptionally well in his role.