YOURSAY | ‘Any attempt to compare Abdul Razak’s premiership to Najib is an insult to his legacy.’

Every day, I work to live up to my father, says teary-eyed Najib

Kim Quek: When PM Najib Razak was choked with emotion and shed tears in a commemorative speech on the 40th anniversary of the passing his father, former PM Abdul Razak Hussein, I can’t help but wonder: were those tears for his father or for himself?

When he said “Every day, I work to live up to that lineage”, how I wish he had followed that sentence with “but I have failed, and failed miserably”, for that would have been more honest.

Judging from speech after speech of veteran Umno leaders on the same commemorative platform using the same remarks of how Abdul Razak “would have turned in his grave” to describe the failure of Najib’s rule today, the verdict on Najib’s failure is unanimous.

Instead of forging national unity which was the hallmark of Abdul Razak’s achievement in the aftermath of calamitous May 13 racial riots, the nation is torn asunder with unprecedented sectarian conflicts of race and religion.

Instead of the impeccable cleanliness of Abdul Razak’s leadership as exemplified by the frugal lifestyle of the first couple, Najib is now crippled with unprecedentedly grand corruption scandal with the couple’s luxuriant life the butt of international ridicule.

We hope that on this emotional occasion, when nostalgic speeches were poured in genuine appreciation of the remarkable achievement of his father, Najib would be moved to reflect on his flaws and begin to carry out some genuine remedial measures for the good of the nation.

Aries46: Those who praise the frugal ways of Abdul Razak to insinuate the abuses and excesses of Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, are doing a dishonour to the former premier.

Abdul Razak would never have entertained such notions even if he had the resources.

Government institutions were intact and we were a proud nation of law and order highly respected in the region and Malaysians rarely heard of corruption, cronyism, negotiated tenders, money politics and rent-seeking Umno culture in those days.

Though civil servants were paid low wages, they were dedicated and sacrificed perks and comforts for the nation’s progress.

Any attempt to compare Abdul Razak’s premiership to Najib is an insult to his legacy.

Multi Racial: Najib said about his father - "Every day, I work to live up to that lineage. He is an example for me, and an inspiration to all Malaysians."

Well, if Abdul Razak is alive today he will be disgusted with what Najib has done. I think it is best for Najib not to associate himself to his father legacy. It will tarnish his father’s image.

Kingfisher: Abdul Razak was a forthright and visionary leader whose very leadership was, it seems with benefit of hindsight, cast in a singular special "mould" by his personal convictions for a progressive multiracial community with a commonality of interests amongst all for peace and prosperity.

It has been rather challenging, if not impossible, to recast such a mould by others who came after him for varying aspects of their own convictions, both personal and political.

Roguekiller: Najib, you are not actually fit to be the son of Abdul Razak Hussein.

You claimed to have inherited a big fortune from your father, and in so doing, you have indirectly portrayed Abdul Razak as a man who had accumulated a huge fortune for his children. Your brothers were apparently angry with your claim.

You have destroyed whatever good Abdul Razak had done. You are not like Abdul Razak, you have proven more a pariah than honouring the good name of the Razak family.

Saya Pun Nak Cari Makan: Najib, if indeed Abdul Razak had inspire you, the country would not be embroiled with so many allegations of scandals.

If your father is alive today, he would be very disappointed with your performance as PM.

Abdul Razak, a man of high integrity, would have reprimanded you for your excessive overseas travel.

As a man known for his frugality, he would ask you to find cheaper means of travel, rather than flying a flashy jet, while the poor could hardly put two square meals on the table.

Similarly, Toh Puan Rahah Noah a humble and very likable lady, would not have approved of your extravagance at the expense of public fund.

And without any doubt, your parents, would insist that you reveal the source of the mega donations and how it was used.

As parents of high integrity, they would not trade their principles for the world, and they expect you to do likewise.

WDA: What is the significance of a 40th death anniversary? That of 25 years and 50 years, yes, but 40?

Is this an attempt by a struggling and desperate man to gain some political mileage through the legacy of his father?

No doubt, he has every reason to be proud of his father, but the RM2.6 billion question is, would the father be proud of his son?

Mojo Jojo: As the saying goes: history is written by the victors. With so many accolades showered upon a man who replaced the beloved Tunku Abdul Rahman, this saying definitely rings true to the core.

Ah-hah!!!: Najib may be proud to be Abdul Razak's son, but if he was still alive, would Abdul Razak be proud of Najib? I'd say no.

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