The manner in which Najib Abdul Razak managed pressure during the Ops Lalang dragnet in 1987 laid the foundation for him to be a great leader, said his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Launching a coffee table book titled "Najib Razak 40 Years 40 Pictures" today, he said the prime minister possessed "extraordinary patience".

Zahid, who has known Najib for 30 years, said although the former faced numerous challenges, he handled them with patience.

Najib, he disclosed, came under tremendous pressure in 1987 as Umno Youth chief when three of the wing's exco members were arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

During this period, Zahid had just started work as Najib's political secretary.

He revealed how police Special Branch (SB) officers came to Najib's residence to question him regarding a gathering held against MCA leaders then.

"He was very patient and calm when questioned by the police although he knew that he could be joining the three exco leaders (in prison)," he added.

He said Najib provided brief answers, and when Zahid questioned him on the reason for this, the prime minister had replied that giving lengthy answers increased the risk of mistakes.

"Even under pressure like that he was still so calm. I knew then that his patience was a sign of a future great leader," he added.

Another incident which showcased Najib’s patience was when they were rushing to go back to Pekan after being informed of the Pahang's sultannah's death and the driver suddenly braked to avoid hitting a herd of goats.

'Doesn't look worried'

Najib, who was sleeping at the time, found himself thrown forward.

“He didn't show his anger. But I know he was angry because when he is angry, his ears will turn red first before his face does."

When asked by Najib whether he was speeding, the driver admitted that he had hit up to 220km/h.

“I thought he would get angry at this or threaten to fire the driver but he didn't. Instead, he laid back and closed his eyes,” said Zahid.

With such exemplary distinctions, Zahid said it was fated by Allah for Najib to be a leader.

“But he (Najib) continues to be patient and he doesn't look worried, at least when he is front of us,” he said.

In the past year, Najib has faced scandals in the form of 1MDB and the RM2.6 billion donation issue.

He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi Ali last month had cleared him of any wrongdoing.