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Saving the Planet is not a blueprint or a boastful account of achievements; instead, it’s a mix of a journal, political philosophy and a citizen’s guide
by AKMAR ANNUAR
IT IS uncommon for a sitting Cabinet minister in Malaysia to write a book — especially not one on climate change, and even less so while still in office.
But Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad’s Saving the Planet: Climate and Environmental Lessons from Malaysia and Beyond defies those expectations.
More than just a collection of policy points or idealistic platitudes, the book weaves personal narrative with an earnest call to action, grounded in Malaysia’s complex role as both a developing nation and a custodian of immense natural wealth.
Nik Nazmi, who currently serves as Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, adopts a clear and direct tone — both in his writing and public engagements — making complex environmental issues accessible to a wider audience.
He said Saving the Planet was not the result of a polished master plan, but rather stemmed from a very human need to learn.
“I had to do a lot of reading, and then spoke to many people — experts, activists, industry players, even regular Malaysians.
“It started as a way of educating myself. And eventually, I felt it was worth writing down. That’s how the book came to be,” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).
In other words, it was not a work of authority, but of humility — a reflection of someone who admits they didn’t know everything when first entrusted with the environment portfolio.
That humility runs through the spine of the book, making it unusually approachable for a political work.
It’s not a blueprint or a chest-thumping account of achievements; rather, it is part journal, part political philosophy and part citizen’s handbook.
This writer found the tone refreshing. Saving the Planet is not a technical document. It is not weighed down by jargon, nor does it attempt to impress readers with impenetrable graphs or inflated rhetoric. Instead, it reads like a letter from a friend who has unexpectedly found himself on the frontlines of one of the most pressing issues of our time — and who wants to share what he’s learned — urgently, honestly and accessibly.
The triple planetary crisis — climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss — anchors the structure of the book.
These are not abstract issues in Nik Nazmi’s telling. They are immediate, visible pressing and deeply interconnected.
“We see it in the floods, in the dry seasons, in coastal erosion.
“The haze, the landslides, the human-wildlife conflict — it’s all already here.”
He reminds readers that Malaysia is not a passive bystander in the climate emergency. It is a megadiverse country — one of just 17 in the world — with ecosystems that are vital not only to local communities but to the health of the planet.
And yet, it is also a middle-income nation still navigating its path toward economic maturity.
“We still need to develop. We still need to feed people, build roads and create jobs. But we must find a way to do that without destroying the very environment we depend on,” he observed.
That tension — between growth and conservation, between modernity and tradition — pulses throughout the book. And it is here that Saving the Planet finds its most distinctive voice.
Rather than offering top-down solutions, Nik Nazmi turns to culture and heritage for guidance.
He writes about how Malaysians have long adapted to their tropical surroundings: Houses on stilts, loose-fitting batik and food practices rooted in local ingredients.
He highlights the wisdom of the Orang Asli and indigenous communities in Sabah and Sarawak, whose sustainable ways of life are too often overlooked.
“These aren’t just romantic notions. They’re practical, time-tested lessons on how to live in balance with nature,” he told TMR.
The book also presents a compelling argument that environmentalism should not be viewed as a Western import. Nik Nazmi draws deeply from Islamic teachings — particularly the concept of mankind as khalifah, or stewards of the Earth — as well as from other religious traditions.
The writer appreciates how the book frames climate responsibility as part of Malaysia’s cultural and spiritual identity. It challenges the common view that sustainability must come from the Global North or that developing nations are just falling behind.
Saving the Planet reminds readers that countries like Malaysia have their own stories and wisdom to offer in global environmental discussions. However, the book isn’t about nostalgia; it’s focused on the present and the real challenges and opportunities facing Malaysian policymakers.
“Yes, we’re writing books, but we’re also taking concrete steps with actual policies. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act has been passed, and we are currently working on the Climate Change Act.
“Next year, we’ll be rolling out a national adaptation plan, and we’re introducing a carbon tax. These are real actions that are already underway.”
A key moment in our interview came when we discussed the issue of greenwashing.
“Being seen as sustainable is fashionable now. But the real question is: are these companies genuinely committed, or is it just a façade?”
He stressed that sincerity, rather than perfection, is what truly reflects a company’s dedication to sustainability.
He also highlighted the increasing influence of young Malaysians in shaping both corporate and government actions.
“This generation wants more than just a paycheque; they want to work for companies that align with their values, including being green.”
As for holding polluters accountable, Nik Nazmi acknowledged that there’s no perfect solution but pointed to tougher penalties under the Environmental Quality Act — now up to RM10 million — and legal actions against illegal factories that have polluted water supplies.
The book honestly addresses tough issues, like Malaysia’s reliance on oil and gas. Nik Nazmi acknowledges there’s no quick fix.
“We’ve only been an oil producer for about 70 years. You can’t expect us to stop earlier than countries like the US or UK, who’ve been polluting for centuries,” he said.
He suggests a gradual, sincere approach, focused on justice.
“Climate justice means recognizing that the poor, both in Malaysia and the Global South, suffer the most from climate change, even though they’re the least responsible for it,” he said.
This approach — focusing on fairness, heritage, and values — gives Saving the Planet its moral weight. It also helps Nik Nazmi communicate in a way that resonates with Malaysians.
Too often, environmental discussions in Malaysia either get bogged down in technicalities or come across as elitist. This book avoids both pitfalls. It’s straightforward without being preachy, and insightful without being dry.
By the end of Saving the Planet, it’s clear that the book’s true strength lies not in what it tells readers, but in how it invites them to be part of the conversation, not just passive observers.
Nik Nazmi reflected on the book’s dedication to his son.
“He’s still young, but I hope one day he understands why I spend so much time on these issues. I want him — and his generation — to inherit a planet that’s still liveable. That’s the real reason behind all this,” he said.
That, perhaps, is the heart of the book. It’s not a manifesto, but a father’s letter, a citizen’s plea and a minister’s reflection. It’s a reminder that in the face of crisis, hope is not naive — it’s necessary.
- This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
The post Nik Nazmi’s bid to save the Earth appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.
