Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak described the opening of the Razak Science Centre at the Malvern College in Malvern, England, today as an honour not only for him and his family but also for every Malaysian.

“It is an honour not only for me and my family but also for Malaysians,” Najib said in his address before jointly declaring open the centre with his younger brother, Johari, at the college near Worcestershire, about 220km from London.

Najib pursued his secondary education at the college from 1968 to 1971 and Johari also studied there later.

Sharing his nostalgia with the Malaysian media, Najib said he went to the college at the age of 14 and that was the first time he went overseas.

“I was a shy boy and had never left Malaysia before. I really didn’t know what to expect,” he said.

Najib said the reason why his late father, Razak Hussein, sent him there was because he did not want him to be spoilt or pampered as he (Najib) could possibly be treated differently if he studied in Malaysia.

"My father wanted me to be independent and develop my character," said Najib, adding that his father had always wanted him to be treated like any ordinary student there.

The prime minister said he managed to adapt to the situation at the college, although it was a big shock for him in the early stage.

"Studying in a different environment and culture had taught me how to adaptwith the situation.

"I feel equally at ease when speaking with Obama, (US President Barack Obama), Cameron (British Prime Minister David Cameron) and Xi Jinping (Chinese President)," he said.

- Bernama