After six terms as MP, Nazri says he won't run in next GE

 

Former minister Nazri Aziz has no intention of contesting the next general election and will be retiring from politics after having served six full terms since first being elected in 1995.

He told Malaysiakini that with younger leaders such as Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, 60, and Senior Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, 60, at the helm, he felt that he was passing the baton to the next generation.

"I think it's like a signal for people of my generation that it's time for us to go and support new leaders," he said.

The 67-year-old has formerly served as tourism and culture minister, minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of legal affairs and entrepreneur development minister.

He was first elected as Cenderoh MP in 1995 and retained that seat in the 1999 election, before taking on the new Padang Rengas constituency which he was won in four consecutive elections. Prior to that, he was appointed to the Dewan Negara in 1990.

“I think when we lost the elections in 2018, it was like a blessing in disguise. Because after that we couldn’t continue as the government and were no longer in charge of forming the cabinet. So, it’s much easier now.

“The good days will have to end someday, but it’s okay. I’ve enjoyed my time in politics. I’m almost 70 now, so making a good exit is very important,” said Nazri.

He said there are many budding politicians who are ready to replace him this time around but that he was not going to make any suggestions as to who Umno should nominate to replace him.

Nazri is no stranger to controversy and recently called for Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to resign as party boss.

Prior to the 2018 elections, he belligerently challenged tycoon Robert Kuok to return to Malaysia and contest.

“Don’t be a ‘pondan’ (pansy). Don’t be an ‘ayam betina’ (hen) that hides behind the walls in Hong Kong,” he was quoted as saying.

On another occasion in 2007, he lost his temper in the Dewan Rakyat and repeatedly called DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang "stupid". - Mkini