CIMB group chairperson Nazir Razak said he had not expected to be appointed into the special economic committee set up by his brother and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.However, with the appointment, Nazir promised to speak up to help the country during these difficult economic times.

"Expected a new committee, but not with me in it.

"Anyway, will speak truth to power and hope it will help government to steer the economy through this turmoil and lessen the pain," Nazir said in an Instagram posting.

There has been speculation about the status of the relationship between Najib and Nazir ( photo ) since February, after Nazir and his siblings issued a joint-statement seemingly rebutting Najib.

Najib's office had claimed his wealth came from family inheritance, prompting Nazir and siblings Johari, Nizam and Nazim to stress that their father, a former prime minister, was a frugal man and suggestions otherwise tainted his memory .

Nazir has also been a critic of Najib's brainchild 1MDB, which is struggling to repay its debts and has impacted investor sentiments about the country.

Aside from the 1MDB issue, Najib is also facing calls to resign over RM2.6 billion deposited into his personal bank accounts.

Last Friday, Nazir refused to answer a question on whether his brother should resign as prime minister.

"This is not a serious question," Nazir was quoted as saying by Sin Chew Daily .