Najib Razak’s career began more than 40 years ago in 1976 to continue the legacy of his father Tun Abdul Razak who passed away in service. He took up his father’s seat in Pekan as the youngest MP at the time at the age of 23. Prior to joining politics, Najib Razak studied Industrial Economics at the University of Nottingham and had a stint in the corporate sector with Petronas.
At 25, he was appointed into the Cabinet as Deputy Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Post, the youngest deputy minister then. He also served as the Pahang Menteri Besar between 1982 and 1986, becoming the youngest Menteri Besar in the country. He was also the youngest Minister appointed to the Cabinet when he became the Minister of Youth & Sports in 1986
In 2009, Najib Razak took over from Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and assumed office as the 6th Prime Minister of Malaysia in the face of a global economic downturn. Under his premiership, in spite of the global economic crisis and the crash in oil prices, Malaysia’s economy grew by 90% from RM712.86 billion in 2009 to a RM1.352 trillion economy in 2017 with an average growth of 5.4% since 2010 – a testament the economic and transformation policies introduced under the Najib Razak administration. His administration also introduced the concept of 1Malaysia which underlined his transformation policies that were designed to reach as many Malaysians as possible regardless of their race or economic background.
With Najib Razak at its helm, Malaysia’s diplomacy was at its highest level and saw a period of steady growth even as the rest with the world struggled with the global economic crisis and oil price crash. His policies continue to bear fruits even after change of government. Najib Razak has no intention of slowing down and will continue to serve the people as a credible opposition for the country.
