Datuk Sri Najib
Dato’ Sri Najib was born in Kuala Lipis, Pahang on July 23, 1953. He received his early education at St. John’s Institution, Kuala Lumpur and continued his studies in Industrial Economy at the University of Nottingham, England. Initially working at Bank Negara, Malaysia’s central bank, in 1970, he later became Manager of Public Affairs in the National Oil and Gas Corporation (PETRONAS) from 1974 to 1976.He is married to Datin Sri Rosmah Mansor, an educated and career woman from Negeri Sembilan. His national duty which always comes first for him never allows him a long leisure time at home, but the short time he spends at home surrounded by his young children: two girls – Puteri Norliza and Noryana Najwa, and three boys – Mohd. Nizar, Mohd. Nasifuddin and Nor Ashman Razak makes him more and more a devoted family man.
Dato’ Sri Najib’s family background and exposure has helped shape his style and manners. He is soft-spoken but capable of bursting into hearty laughter, when the moment so requires. He speaks with a clipped British accent acquired during his days as an economics student in Nottingham, England. A typical Malay man who enjoys both western-style and traditional Malay dishes he is just as comfortable if his plate is filled with roast beef or with smoked fish wrapped around banana leaf. His late father would not miss puffing from his pipe after a good meal with the family, but Dato’ Sri Najib thought that a good cigar is more practical rather than messing around with tobacco. With memories oh his grim-faced but loving father vivid in hid mind in the living room guiding him and his brothers and adopted sisters through their growing years, Dato’ Sri Najib always presents to a more gentle face to his wife and children and the house staff he has around him at home, in spite of the very hectic time he has had the whole day.
The death of Tun Abdul Razak on January 14, 1976 had somewhat prompted Dato’ Sri Najib to take an early dive into politics. As eldest son, he was destined to continue Tun Abdul Razak’s political Legacy and leadership qualities inherited from the deposed Bugis prince from Macassar that settled in Pahang in the 18th century, soon to be observed when he had to inherit as the ”Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar” that had been passed for generations to his father. It appeared to be more than coincidence when he succeeded his father at the age of 22 as Member of Parliament for Pekan, Pahang.
At that age Dato’ Sri Najib was still young, boyish and shy. Since he had just been thrust into public life following the demise of his father, he had to work very hard to prove his worth. Being the son of a former Prime Minister could be a special privilege destined for him but being Tun Abdul Razak’s son that privilege would take [next page]