Former Finance Minister II Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah confirmed that he chose to end his political career after Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak decided to change his portfolio.

Husni, who had already opted out of contesting in the next general election, said he had decided to end his political career as finance minister II.

"On June 27, I asked the premier after an economic council meeting, if it was true that my portfolio would be changed in the cabinet reshuffle slated to be announced that evening.

"The prime minister confirmed that my portfolio would be changed," Husni said as quoted by Berita Harian today.

"I then informed him that I had made my mind up to end my political career in the Finance Ministry," he continued.

Husni explained he could not serve effectively in the remaining 18 months of his tenure, in another ministry.

"I accept that it is the absolute power of the prime minister to appoint his ministers.

"Given that he had decided to transfer me to a new portfolio, I expressed my wish to retire from the world of politics," he said.

Husni, who quit all his positions in Umno and BN, however did not reveal which ministry he was slated for.

However, blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin had speculated that Husni was upset when the prime minister wanted to transfer him to the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government ministry.

Husni added he had pondered on many occasions if he should continue to serve in his sixties, or move on to the next stage in life.

"The work as second finance minister was tough as it involved fiscal policy, the budget, 1MDB....," he said.

However he added he was pleased to serve the premier, the government, and the country, in facing the challenges to the economy.

Najib had surprised many by making half-term Deputy Finance Minister Johari Abdul Ghani as finance minister II, replacing Husni, who had assumed office in 2009.

Najib had claimed that Husni had quit for personal reasons and was ready for retirement.

Former Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Wahid Omar has also retired, with speculation linking his decision to the 1MDB fiasco.