Most Read
Most Commented
Read more like this
mk-logo
News

Editor’s note: This is the 10th of a 12-part series from former health minister and MCA president Chua Soi Lek’s book, 'Like Me or Hate Me: Rising from the Political Ashes'.

BOOK EXCERPT | This chapter gives my impressions of some of the major personalities I have had dealings with during my political career - Najib Razak, Ong Ka Ting, Tee Siew Kiong, and Wee Ka Siong.

Najib Razak
(Prime Minister: April 2009-2018)

When I was the Minister of Health, Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak was the deputy prime minister. When he became the prime minister in 2009, I was the deputy president of the MCA. It was Najib who appointed me as the Chief Coordinator of the Barisan Nasional.

Unlike Pak Lah, Najib is sterner. But while he doesn’t smile often I would not describe him as unfriendly. He is always polite to his guests and his audience.

When I became MCA president in 2010, I met Najib more frequently in my capacity as leader of the party. Later, I was also appointed to the Economic Council that he chaired every Monday.

Najib was very impressive when chairing meetings, particularly when it came to summarising complex issues.

This was obvious in the Economic Council meetings I attended. He would ask pointed questions during discussions and was always quick to understand the point of view of the speaker.

In fact, when he was the deputy prime minister, Najib would often try to highlight the main issue under discussion in an attempt to keep things on track when Pak Lah indulged in his habit of allowing every member to speak.

He had a very good memory and controlled his temper well. The only time I saw him lose his temper was in 2011 during an Economic Council meeting. The issue was the remuneration of civil servants. When he loses his temper, Najib blushes and his ears are red.

When I was the Minister of Health, I always sought his advice and support regarding major issues confronting the Ministry of Health.

It was due to his encouragement and support I was able to implement the Harm Reduction Programme, the two years of compulsory service for housemen, and the closure of Pandan Hospital.

It was also Najib who agreed with me in cabinet that state general hospitals should remain with the Ministry of Health and should not be taken over by the Ministry of Higher Education...

Unlocking Article
Unlocking Article
View Comments
ADS