Nazir Razak congratulates Dr M on return to office

The brother of former prime minister Najib Razak says Malaysia can now undergo the 'major recalibration' he had always called for.

PETALING JAYA: Banker Nazir Razak today congratulated Dr Mahathir Mohamad on his appointment as prime minister, wishing him and his administration all success in building the “new Malaysia” envisioned in Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto.

Nazir, who is the brother of former prime minister Najib Razak, said no words could describe Mahathir’s journey back to office.

“Malaysia has also defied the odds and global trends with this peaceful transition of power in line with the will of the people – Malaysia, (the) new icon of democracy,” he said in an Instagram post.

He said Mahathir had always gone to great lengths to praise his mentor and Nazir’s father, Malaysia’s second prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein, “even at the height of tensions with Najib and Umno”.

“Both of them share the same determination to nation-build to the best of their ability and limits of personal sacrifices,” he added.

Nazir said he had repeatedly argued that Malaysia needed “major recalibration” but that all attempts under the “old order” had failed due to “structural rigidities and vested interest”.

“Now you can!” he said.

Mahathir was sworn in last night as Malaysia’s seventh prime minister. At 92, he is the world’s oldest elected leader. - FMT